Get tested for hidden silicosis, COPD, black lung with free mobile health checks
Around one in 10 former miners tested across central Queensland have been diagnosed with a mine dust lung disease, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) figures reveal.
RSHQ’s Former Worker Program offers free lung checks to former Queensland mine and quarry workers on the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit to help detect illnesses that may otherwise go unnoticed.
RSHQ’s Executive Director of Occupational Health Dean Barr said they would be traveling to central Queensland soon, with visits to Emerald, Clermont and, for the first time, Blackwater in October.
HEART5 will follow this up with a visit to Rockhampton and Mackay in November and December.
“We’re proud to be expanding these important free lung checks to Blackwater, and to be returning to Clermont, Emerald, Rockhampton and Mackay this year. Bookings are essential so please give us a call,” Mr Barr said.
“We test for diseases like silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and black lung.
“These diseases take time to develop – sometimes up to 10 years and with no symptoms – that’s why it’s so important to get tested even after you have left the industry.”
Screening includes:
- Examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor
- Chest X-ray
- Lung function test by spirometry
- CT scan (if required)
Since 2022, 1,881 former mine workers have attended HEART5, with the mobile unit completing 65 visits across 31 towns.
HEART5 and local clinics have screened 51 former workers in Emerald and six were found to have developed a lung disease from their time in the industry, meanwhile five of the 57 people screened in Clermont tested positive.
Of the 279 former workers screened in Rockhampton, 42 have been diagnosed with a lung disease and 38 of the 403 screened in Mackay have also been diagnosed.
The program is available to former and retired mine and quarry workers in Queensland who have at least three years’ experience in coal, mineral mines or quarries, including six months in a Queensland operation.
HEART5 is operated by Heart of Australia, in partnership with RSHQ.
If you’re in Clermont, Emerald, Blackwater, Rockhampton or Mackay, phone 1300 445 715 to see if you’re eligible and to book.
Upcoming HEART5 visits:
- Clermont: 14 October
- Emerald: 15 October
- Blackwater: 16-17 October
- Rockhampton: 18-19 November
- Mackay: 2-3 December
N.B. Multimedia assets are available on request.
ENDS
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) is the regulator of safety and health legislation across Queensland’s mining, quarrying, explosives (including fireworks) petroleum and gas industries. RSHQ’s priority is the safety and health of workers and the communities they operate in, with a vision of zero serious harm.
Media contact
Anna Hartley
0457 094 250
Last updated: 08 Oct 2025