Research
As part of RSHQ’s strategic plan, we sponsor, undertake and support research activities. This enables RSHQ and the Queensland resources industry to increase its understanding of emerging and known occupational health harms and take a risk-based approach supported by evidence to manage risks and promote improved health outcomes.
Under the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme, RSHQ may make coal mine worker health assessment records available to appropriately qualified persons for research that is approved by a relevant ethics committee. To discuss potential access to medical records for approved research, email HSU@rshq.qld.gov.au.
RSHQ research activity
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Monash University has completed a study to understand the cancer incidence and mortality among coal mine workers in Queensland.
The study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council as a partnership project between Monash University and RSHQ. RSHQ provided key identifying information and smoking data for coal mine workers employed after 1982.
The Queensland coal mine workers’ cancer and mortality study full report (PDF, 9MB) and summary report (PDF, 271KB) provide further information on the study methodology and key findings.
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CSIRO undertook a project, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales and St Vincent’s Hospital, that aimed to develop a deep learning-based automated pneumoconiosis detection and grading system based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) Classification guidelines.
RSHQ provided chest X-ray images and ILO classifications for the development of this system.
The Optimization and pilot development of pneumoconiosis detection software (PDF, 2MB) report provides information on the outcome of this project.
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The re-identification of mine dust lung disease in the Queensland mining industry demonstrated that in addition to serious safety risks, preventing disease and other health harms must also be a focus.
To enhance understanding of existing and emerging occupational health harms, RSHQ commissioned Ernst and Young and the University of Queensland to conduct a Baseline review of occupational health risks (PDF, 17MB) relevant to the resources sector.
To complete the evaluation, RSHQ utilised a bespoke, risk-based framework to assess and prioritise occupational health harms. The prioritisation process and outcomes are outlined in the Resources industry occupational health prioritisation report (PDF, 955KB).
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As part of RSHQ’s ongoing commitment to better understanding mine dust lung disease, Cancer Council Queensland were engaged to undertake a prevalence study.
The study focused specifically on coal mine dust lung disease (CMDLD).
The Prevalence of coal mine dust lung disease in Queensland full report provides further information on the methodology and estimates for prevalence.
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Research was co-funded with the Australian Coal Association Research Program that investigated cases of disease in Queensland coal miners.
The Clinical, Radiological and Occupational Review of Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease in Queensland (PDF, 2MB) report provides several insights into disease types, severity and work history.
Last updated: 15 Apr 2026