Mobile lung checks for regional Queensland miners

Mobile Lung Checks for Regional Queensland Miners

Queensland Government has partnered with Heart of Australia to launch a mobile health unit designed for early detection of mine dust lung diseases across regional Queensland. This initiative brings specialised respiratory screening directly to mine and quarry workers who might otherwise face long travel distances for testing.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the state-of-the-art Queensland-built HEART 5 vehicle "will bring high-quality respiratory health screenings to mine and quarry workers in regional and remote parts of the state."

"This means workers won't have to travel as far to access highly specialised services, ensuring earlier detection and intervention in cases of mine dust lung diseases like black lung and silicosis," Mr Stewart said.

What Makes HEART 5 Different

HEART 5 comes equipped with an x-ray machine and a world-first battery-powered high-resolution computerised tomography (CT) scanner. Both technologies allow onsite teams to capture detailed respiratory imaging without needing fixed hospital infrastructure.

"The robust vehicle was constructed in Narangba to the highest standards, in order to withstand the wear and tear of travelling through rural Queensland," Mr Stewart said.

A Collaborative Approach to Worker Safety

"I'd like to thank Heart of Australia and Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), who have collaborated magnificently to deliver HEART 5," Mr Stewart said. Their joint effort reflects a broader commitment to occupational safety standards within regional mining operations.

Delivering this service directly to remote sites strengthens dust-related disease prevention efforts and supports every community connected to Queensland's resources sector. Employers focused on maintaining rigorous safety practices can pair this initiative with a strong understanding of research into occupational dust lung diseases already underway across the state.

For sites managing similar risks, reviewing ongoing lung disease screening programs for Queensland coal miners offers useful context on how these safety measures fit within existing regulatory frameworks. Similarly, workers previously employed in mining roles may benefit from free lung health assessments available to ex-mine workers in north-west Queensland.

As mobile diagnostic technology becomes more common across regional Australia, organisations should ensure supporting equipment and procedures meet documented safety benchmarks. Reviewing an SOP for equipment maintenance helps confirm mobile units and associated tools remain fit for purpose during frequent travel between remote sites.

Read the full story on the Queensland Government website.