Health warning for former miners in Central Queensland

Resources Safety and Health Queensland's Health Surveillance Unit Director Evan Pengelly said testing is important to do, even long after finishing work in the industry.

"We know that in many cases, former workers don't have symptoms or aren't aware they have a disease," said Mr Pengelly.  

"We really encourage our former workers to come forward and get tested because there could be treatment available, and you may be entitled to compensation. 

"It costs you nothing, just time."

One option for former workers in Biloela and Emerald this month, is the HEART5 truck.

HEART5 is a B-double truck packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment and travels around regional and remote Queensland offering free lung disease-detecting tests.

The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with the regulator, Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).

HEART5 screening includes:

• Examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor
• Chest X-ray
• Lung function test by spirometry
• CT scan (if required)

Free checks are available to former Queensland mine and quarry workers with at least 3 years' experience working at coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including 6 months in Queensland.

There are also approved clinicians around the state who can conduct the testing if former workers are unable to get to the truck.

HEART5's upcoming trips:

• 18-19 November: Emerald Showgrounds
• 20-21 November: Biloela Showgrounds

Bookings are essential for this service. RSHQ kindly asks that media promote the following line when writing stories: "To book, call the Mine Dust Health Support Service on 1300 445 715" or link to this website: Contact | Miners' health matters (rshq.qld.gov.au).

Media contact:

Amy McCann

0457 094 250

media@rshq.qld.gov.au