The Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme is used to determine fitness for work, and to provide early diagnosis and intervention for respiratory diseases like coal mine workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis. It does this by:
- screening coal mine workers to detect early signs of disease
- referring workers for follow-up, diagnosis and management, if required
- reducing dust exposure for workers with respiratory abnormalities
- collecting, analysing and reporting data to support reviews of dust exposure levels and occupational exposure limits for coal mines.
The scheme applies to workers employed in high-risk tasks in Queensland coal mines. This includes workers employed on coal exploration permits, mineral development licences and mining leases.
A standard Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme medical assessment includes:
- Vision test
- Spirometry test
- Respiratory questionnaire
- Urinalysis
- Hearing test
- Auditory canal examination
- Cardiovascular system examination
- Musculoskeletal system examination
- Abdomen examination
- Skin examination
- Medical history questionnaire
- Chest x-ray International Labour (ILO) Standard is a classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses which is the accepted international standard to describe abnormalities in chest x-rays that indicate pneumoconioses. (only required if not completed prior or previous x-ray is over 5 years old).
- Please note that a drug and alcohol test is not included, however some mines may require one prior to accessing site. A drug and alcohol test can be added to a Coal Board Medical (additional charges apply).