The State Budget will provide $1.2 million over two years for a mobile service to deliver respiratory health checks to coal workers.

The mobile service – an equipped and staffed van – was recommended by the Parliamentary Select Committee into coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and will supplement existing regional specialist services.

The State Government says the money for the mobile screening unit comes on top of almost $25 million committed in 2017 to ‘black lung’ health and safety reforms.

After three years of reform, Queensland coal workers now receive free respiratory health checks when they start in the industry, when they leave, and every five years while they are working.

Free checks also are available for retired or former coal mine workers.

All doctors and radiologists who offer health services receive specialist training and are registered, as are the X-ray imaging clinics.

Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the screening van would supplement existing services in communities including Moranbah, Rockhampton, Mackay and Emerald.

The CFMEU Mining & Energy Division said the establishment of the mobile screening van would save lives.

“The mobile service will make it much easier for mineworkers, including retired mineworkers, to get vital health services in their home towns,”
Queensland president Steve Smyth said.

“Over 100 Queensland mining workers have been diagnosed with mine dust diseases, and we are aware of at least 200 more workers currently going through the testing and diagnosis process.

“Sadly, it is highly likely that many more workers are affected.

“The key to managing these deadly diseases is early diagnosis and treatment, which is why having access to a mobile screening unit is absolutely critical.

“Government and industry dropped the ball on monitoring and managing mine dust over many years – we are very pleased the current Queensland Government has recognised the health crisis in the coal mining industry and is investing resources to address it.” 

Mr Smyth said the CFMEU would continue to push for improved safety standards in coal mines to prevent workers from contracting mine dust diseases.