Detection
Mine dust lung diseases (MDLD) can take up to 10 years or more to develop, and even longer to produce noticeable symptoms.
Prevention is the best defence, however, identifying the disease in its early stages can prevent it from progressing to a point where it can seriously impact on your career and quality of life.
Respiratory health examinations
The respiratory health examinations for coal, mineral mine and quarry workers have been aligned and strengthened. This is to ensure that all mine and quarry workers in Queensland receive the same quality lung checks. Some of the changes include:
- improvements to chest X-rays - higher quality standards in line with international best practice, with X-rays dual-read to the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses
- better training for health care professionals that combine experience and qualifications
- new standards for spirometry (lung function) testing and training for spirometry personnel
- optional respiratory assessments for retiring workers
- free lung checks for retired and former workers paid for by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
The respiratory health examinations includes:
- lung function test (spirometry)
- chest x-ray.
More information
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Spirometry is a standard test used to detect conditions that affect your lung function, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. To take a spirometry test, you breathe forcefully into a small machine called a spirometer.
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As most early cases of simple mine dust lung disease show no symptoms, regular chest x-rays are crucial to identifying the disease before it progresses.
The doctor will refer you to a radiology clinic to perform specialist chest x-rays for the detection of mine dust lung disease. The clinic must meet the specific standards and qualifications set by RSHQ.
Your chest x-ray is then examined against the International Labour Organization (ILO) standard by at least two Australian radiologists that have passed additional training delivered by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (called B-readers).
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The ILO has set an international standard to describe and code features in chest X-rays that could indicate pneumoconiosis.
The radiologists will compare your x-ray with standard images which show different levels of abnormalities in patients with possible pneumoconiosis. It helps your doctor determine if an abnormality exists that should be investigated further.
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To screen for abnormalities, doctors use a combination of chest x-ray and lung function test results. Further specialist tests are then required to investigate screening results if an abnormality is detected.
A standardised clinical pathways guideline has been developed for doctors to ensure a consistent approach to follow up and referral for screening tests with abnormal results. Specialist tests commonly include a high resolution computed tomography scan, advanced lung function tests and review by respiratory physician.
Following these further specialist tests and reviews, a diagnosis can be made.
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Once all the required test results are compiled, the doctor reviews the records and completes the examination.
If you are a coal mine worker, this is the Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA). The AMA will complete the health assessment form on ResHealth, our online system for coal mine worker health assessments. ResHealth will notify you and your employer once your health assessment is complete and both you and your employer will be able to access your health assessment report online. This report contains information about fitness for duty, work restrictions, diagnosed occupational diseases and any requirements for you to undertake subsequent assessments.
You can request copies of your past health assessments from either the AMA or RSHQ.
If you are a mineral mine or quarry worker, the Appropriate Doctor will provide the health surveillance report to you and the site senior executive.
Your AMA or Appropriate Doctor are also required to keep a full copy of each examination they complete.
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Your employer needs to offer you the opportunity to have a respiratory health examination when you retire, if:
- you have worked in the industry for at least three years, AND
- it has been three years since your last routine health check.
The exit assessment must be completed within a 6-month period starting three months before and extending to three months after your retirement date.
The exit assessment consists of a respiratory function test and chest x-ray.
Your employer must organise and pay for this assessment.
Pocket guides for mine and quarry workers
Download or order your free copies of our handy worker information booklets that provide more information on what is MDLD, airborne dust and the medical examinations.
Last updated: 15 Apr 2026