The Queensland Government has endorsed Jobfit to provide former workers in the coal and mineral industry with free lung health assessments.
From 1 March 2019, retired and former coal mine, mineral mine and quarry workers (former workers) are eligible for a Queensland Government-funded assessment. The health assessments consists of a respiratory function examination and a chest X-ray examination. This will detect mine dust lung diseases such as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis.
Former workers can qualify for free lung health assessments if they meet the criteria:
- Coal mine, mineral mine or quarry worker for at least 3 years in total over a lifetime. Moreover, 6 months of this work experience must be in Queensland.
- Have now permanently stopped being a coal mine, mineral mine or quarry worker.
- It has been at least 5 years since the most recent assessment, unless a doctor has recommended an assessment sooner.
The Queensland Government will pay for the lung health assessment of former workers who qualify.
Participation is voluntary. However, Jobfit encourages assessment of former workers who meet the criteria by our team of supervising doctors.
Coal mine dust lung diseases can take up to ten years or more to develop. What’s more, it can take even longer to produce noticeable symptoms. While prevention is the best defence, identifying the disease in its early stages is important. Diagnosis can prevent it from progressing to a point where it has an impact on quality of life.
For more information regarding former worker eligibility and how to apply for a free medical assessment, visit the Queensland Government website or email.
To book an appointment with Jobfit, please contact us.
