HEART5 to conduct free lung tests in Cairns

HEART5 to Conduct Free Lung Tests in Cairns

Queensland's mine safety regulator (RSHQ) encourages retired miners and quarry workers to register for a free lung examination when the HEART5 mobile health truck comes to Cairns later this month.

HEART5 is equipped with advanced medical equipment to effectively identify mine dust lung diseases such as black lung and silicosis. This free lung screening initiative forms part of a broader health push across regional Queensland, following similar visits that brought free lung checks to Toowoomba.

Why Early Detection Matters

Director of the Health Surveillance Unit at RSHQ, Evan Pengelly, says conducting these tests is crucial due to the prolonged incubation period of mine dust lung diseases, which can take up to a decade or more to appear.

"We know that prevention is the best defence, however, identifying the disease in its early stages can prevent it from progressing to a point where it seriously impacts your quality of life," said Mr Pengelly.

"I strongly urge all former Queensland mine and quarry workers to get a free lung check."

A Milestone for Mine Worker Health Across Australia

Since launching, HEART5 has become a trusted name in worker health monitoring, recently reaching a significant milestone described in our coverage of HEART5's important landmark in lung health checks. The truck's presence in Cairns reinforces its role as a world‐class heart of regional health outreach, giving former workers across Queensland easier access to free lung testing without needing to travel long distances.

For employers and safety professionals, maintaining strong workplace health standards extends beyond lung testing alone. Reviewing broader workplace policies, including those covering business ethics and conduct, helps ensure a consistent culture of care and accountability across operations.

Register for Your Free Lung Check

Former mine and quarry workers eager to take part in this free lung initiative are encouraged to register ahead of the Cairns visit. Testing takes only a short time and provides valuable peace of mind regarding long-term respiratory health.

Read more here.