Free lung checks coming to Toowoomba

Free lung checks coming to Toowoomba mark a milestone for former mine and quarry workers across the region. A mobile health unit that offers free lung checks for former mine and quarry personnel from Queensland is visiting the Toowoomba area for the first time.

HEART5 is scheduled to arrive at Queens Park on August 26th and 27th, giving ex-industry workers a straightforward, no-cost opportunity to check their lung health.

Why Lung Screening Matters for Former Workers

RSHQ's Director of Health Strategy and Compliance Patrick Jensen stressed the importance of conducting tests years after industry departure, since occupational lung diseases can surface after a decade or longer.

"Many former workers may not have symptoms or be aware they have a disease," said Mr Jensen.

"Come forward and get tested because there could be treatment available, and you may be entitled to compensation. It costs you nothing, just time."

What Toowoomba Workers Can Expect

Attendees visiting the mobile unit in Toowoomba will undergo an easy, non-invasive examination conducted by an RSHQ-approved doctor. No appointment complexity, no cost, just a simple health check that could catch a serious condition early.

For workers unable to attend the Toowoomba dates, we encourage you to call our free lung health helpline to arrange alternative screening options elsewhere in Queensland.

Understanding Workplace Health and Safety Outcomes

Occupational lung disease remains a serious safety concern for mining and quarrying communities throughout Australia. Early detection through initiatives like HEART5 supports better long-term safety outcomes for workers who may have been exposed to hazardous dust decades ago.

RSHQ's ongoing commitment to worker safety reflects broader efforts across the resources sector to prioritise health and safety long after employment ends. Employers and safety professionals can learn more about how similar screening programs have supported communities elsewhere, including HEART5's free lung tests in Cairns and the mobile lung checks delivered to regional Queensland miners.

The program's expansion also builds on HEART5's recent landmark in lung health checks, reinforcing why safety-focused screening remains critical for workers across the state.

Supporting Safety Beyond Screening

Alongside health screening initiatives, businesses can strengthen workplace safety with practical resources such as a free SWMS template or a SWMS example free download to support safe work method statements across construction, mining, and manufacturing sites.

Originally published here.