The Queensland Government and Heart of Australia have developed a world-first mobile health unit to help with the early detection of mine dust lung diseases in regional Queensland workers.
The HEART 5 vehicle was a commitment of the Government, and it is the fifth vehicle from Heart of Australia.
“HEART 5 is a revolutionary piece of technology that will bring high-quality respiratory health screenings to mine and quarry workers in regional and remote parts of the state,” Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said.
“This means workers won’t have to travel as far to access highly specialised services, ensuring earlier detection and intervention in cases of mine dust lung diseases like black lung and silicosis.”
Containing an x-ray machine and a world-first battery-powered high-resolution computerised tomography (CT) scanner, the facility will help with the early detection of mine dust lung diseases in regional QLD workers.
Stewart said the Government’s commitment to the safety of mine and quarry workers’ was absolute.
“We have implemented the toughest mine safety laws in the world, lowered allowable levels of dust exposure, prescribed requirements for monitoring and reporting, and enhanced health surveillance across the mining sector,” Stewart said.
“We’re proud to have HEART 5 on the road helping to uphold our high standards for health and safety in the resources sector, and our government will continue to support workers, on and off the job site.”
HEART 5 will journey to coal mining community Collinsville next week to begin vital work screening workers and former workers of mines and quarries.
Heart of Australia founder Dr Rolf Gomes said that HEART 5 can perform a CT whilst parked on a mine site.
“HEART 5 breaks down the tyranny of distance, so if you do have a lung disease, we can find it early and quickly,” Gomes said.
The delivery of the vehicle is part of the Government’s response to the recommendations made by the Black Lung, White Lies report.
“The robust vehicle was constructed in Narangba to the highest standards, in order to withstand the wear and tear of travelling through rural Queensland,” Stewart said.
“I’d like to thank Heart of Australia and Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) who have collaborated magnificently to deliver HEART 5.”
The QLD Government and RSHQ contributed $2 million towards the build and operation of HEART 5.