Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is calling out for former miners who may think they are too young for vital lung checks.
According to the RSHQ, 20 per cent of all miners diagnosed with a mine dust lung disease are under 55 years of age. Of those miners, almost half have worked in mining for less than 20 years.
Despite this, only six percent of the former workers accessing RSHQ’s free lung checks are younger than 55.
RSHQ health surveillance unit director Evan Pengelly is urging younger people to take up the free lung health checks.
“Mine dust lung diseases are not just for the retired,” Pengelly said.
“We know young people can contract them too and so it’s important all former workers, no matter their age, get tested after they’ve left mining and even if they’ve joined another industry.”
Former Queensland mine or quarry workers can access a free lung check when the HEART5 truck rolls into Rockhampton from Wednesday February 26 to Friday 28.
HEART5 is a B-double truck equipped with state-of-the-art medical screening equipment that travels around regional and remote Queensland offering lung disease screening.
What can be expected from a screening:
- Examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor
- Chest X-ray
- Lung function test by spirometry
- CT scan (if required)
- In addition to the HEART5 mobile lung check service, RSHQ also sponsors a network of approved clinicians who perform testing at local clinics around the state
The free lung check program is available to former and retired mine and quarry workers in Queensland, who have at least three years’ experience working in coal and mineral mines or at quarries that includes six months in a Queensland operation.
Eligible former workers should call 1300 445 715 to book whichever option is most convenient for them. Clinics are available all year round, and the HEART5 travels across the state.
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