Doctor training program continues to support medicals for miners

Mr Dean Barr, Executive Director - Occupational Health highlighted the importance of the training program now administered by Simtars - RSHQ’s Registered Training Organisation.

“The doctor training program was first introduced following the re-identification of mine dust lung disease in Queensland and was recommended by the independent review into Queensland’s health scheme for coal miners” he said.

“The training program is designed to support doctors by equipping them with knowledge of the required screening examinations and follow-up investigations of abnormal results.

It also details the associated legislation, standards and record-keeping requirements necessary to support quality medicals that detect occupational diseases like coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis early”.

Mr Barr said RSHQ had worked closely with doctors to ensure its register of approved doctors remains current, and training requirements are up to date.

“Doctor participation is paramount to the effectiveness of medicals and RSHQ will always work with doctors to ensure requirements are being met. It’s pleasing to see the majority of approved doctors continue to participate in the training program and provide this important service to mine and quarry workers.”

Through ongoing compliance monitoring, RSHQ recently removed 35 doctors (12 per cent) from the register who had not kept up with the required training. The training program includes initial online training modules, refresher training and annual online and face-to-face workshops.