Former miners encouraged to undergo testing for undetected silicosis, COPD, and black lung disease

Former miners urged to book free lung screening

Ex-miners across central Queensland can access complimentary lung screening through Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) to detect silicosis, COPD and black lung early — often well before symptoms appear.

Around 10% of ex-miners assessed regionally carry a diagnosed lung disease caused by mine dust, RSHQ data shows.

Screening at a glance

• Who qualifies: anyone who previously worked at a mine or quarry, including every former coal miner.
• Cost: nothing — checks are delivered under the RSHQ program for former employees.
• Conditions assessed: silicosis, COPD, black lung and similar respiratory illnesses.
• October stops: Blackwater, Clermont plus Emerald.
• November and December stops: Mackay, then Rockhampton.
• Bookings: essential, so phone ahead before the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit arrives.

Why early detection matters

Occupational lung disease frequently develops silently over decades. Scarring and airflow obstruction cannot be reversed, which means testing gives clinicians a chance to slow progression, guide treatment and confirm compensation entitlements.

Many respiratory conditions produce no obvious signs until damage becomes advanced. That is precisely why former miners tested aboard mobile units so often learn about problems they never suspected.

Where the HEART5 unit is heading

Dean Barr, Executive Director of Occupational Health at RSHQ, confirmed the team will reach central Queensland shortly, visiting Emerald, Clermont and Blackwater during October.

“We’re proud to be expanding these important free lung checks to Blackwater, and to be returning to Clermont, Emerald, Rockhampton and Mackay this year. Bookings are essential so please give us a call,” Mr Barr said.

Later in the year, HEART5 travels to Mackay and Rockhampton across November plus December.

What clinicians look for

• Silicosis: irreversible scarring triggered by inhaled crystalline silica particles.
• COPD: chronic obstruction that narrows airways and reduces breathing capacity.
• Black lung: coal-related tissue damage, long underdiagnosed among Australian mine crews.
• Other lung diseases: emphysema and progressive fibrosis, which may follow years spent underground.

Support for employers and safety teams

Preventing new cases remains a priority across Queensland's resources sector, where respiratory health monitoring, ventilation controls and protective equipment programs operate together.

SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture supplies editable safety documentation that helps employers meet monitoring, reporting and consultation duties.

Further reading for safety professionals:

• Mackay miners urged to check their lungs
• Lung disease screenings for coal miners continue
• Medical professionals combating black lung disease
• World Day for Safety and Health at Work campaign resources
• Mental health policies and plans for wellbeing support

Booking details, eligibility criteria and clinic dates sit on the Former Worker Program (RSHQ) website.