Medical provider allowed to continue conducting lung disease screenings for Queensland coal miners

A medical provider in Mackay has received approval to resume screening Queensland coal miners for lung disease, following a suspension imposed by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) earlier in the year.

An audit conducted by RSHQ revealed that 30% of the spirometry tests (lung function tests) performed by the provider were deemed unacceptable and failed to meet the established minimum quality standards. Consequently, 135 workers were adversely affected by the substandard testing.

Therefore, the provider received a six-month suspension, and it was advised that all workers affected by the incident should complete repeat testing.

RSHQ's Director of Health Strategy and Compliance Patrick Jensen said the regulatory action serves as a clear warning to other medical providers regarding the safety of coal mine workers.

"When our workers go to get tested, they need to know they can trust the medical professionals to do their job to a high standard," said Mr Jensen.

More details can be found here.