Supervisors Competence and Safety Level in Coal Mines

Abstract

Purpose: Both, theorists and practitioners of management emphasize that staff competence increasingly influences the proper operation of modern enterprises. This is significant not only when acquiring satisfactory work efficiency, but in connection to the required level of safety. Methods: The aim of the research presented in this article is to determine essential issues in the area of underground coal mines supervisors (middle level managers) with regard to the safety level in coal mines. The research methods include survey, PAPI technique (Paper-and-Pencil-Interviewing) and a questionnaire. Supervisors from three mines participated in the research. The sample test was conducted deliberately, using a proportional scheme including the position in the supervisory department and the department type. Results: Analysis of the results allowed for the evaluation of the twelve sub-categories of supervisors competence and knowledge level and their impact on the effectiveness of the maintenance of security. Moreover, the correlation between the determined level of separate competence sub-categories and their influence on the level of safety enabled the prioritization of the level of a lack of competence in reference to proper work safety maintenance. Practical implications: The knowledge acquired on supervisors competence is to be applied to the prevention programme as a part of the following programme: "Methods of diagnosis and reduction programme of adverse effects related to the underground use of technical means…" (PBS, NCBiR No 1519/2012). Originality/value: The theoretical section of the article includes the original definition and competence model, as well as a model of competence impact on the safety level in an enterprise. The approach to the research problem is also valuable – the issues of under ground coal mines supervisors competence have been for the first time directly connected with the underground safety level