Supervisors competence and safety level in coal mines

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
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.
Originality/ value
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).