Which party is responsible for ensuring the risk to workers at a mine is at an acceptable level?

The party responsible for ensuring that the risk to workers at a mine is at an acceptable level is the SSE (Site Senior Executive) for a coal mine. The SSE has a legal obligation to ensure the workplace, including the mine site, complies with relevant health and safety regulations and standards. This includes conducting risk assessments, implementing safety measures, and ensuring that workers are adequately trained and equipped to perform their jobs safely. The SSE is tasked with the overall management of safety at the mine, making them the key figure in maintaining safe working conditions and addressing hazards effectively.

In contrast, while workers' union representatives advocate for the rights and safety of workers, they do not have the direct responsibility or authority over mine safety protocols. Government safety regulators are important for enforcing safety laws and standards, but their role is primarily oversight and enforcement rather than direct management of mine operations. Coal mine investors, on the other hand, have a financial stake in the mine but are not responsible for the safety management or day-to-day operations concerning worker safety. Their involvement typically does not extend to direct management or compliance with safety standards at the mine level.