New towns in North Queensland set to benefit from HEART5 and no-cost lung health assessments

New Towns in North Queensland Set to Benefit from HEART5 and No-Cost Lung Health Assessments

Resources Safety and Health Queensland has announced that the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit will arrive in Hughenden and Charters Towers this week for its inaugural visit to both towns.

Truck is also making its way back to Mount Isa as it moves through North and North West Queensland, extending free lung checks to more former mine workers across the region.

A Growing Track Record of Community Health Support

Since commencing operations in 2022, HEART5 has visited a total of 26 different towns during 56 separate occasions, delivering free lung health assessments for ex-mine workers throughout regional Queensland.

Among 1,097 former employees examined on board, 157 were found to have a lung disease caused by mine dust — a result that underscores why ongoing health surveillance matters for workers with a history of exposure.

Collaboration Behind the Health Initiative

RSHQ's Health Surveillance Unit Director Evan Pengelly said this care-focused initiative is made possible through collaboration with Heart of Australia, which operates the truck and coordinates health checks with local communities.

"We're really proud to offer these free lung checks on board HEART5 in Hughenden and Charters Towers with Heart of Australia," said Mr Pengelly.

Bringing dedicated health services directly into regional towns removes barriers many former workers face when accessing specialist care, particularly where travel to major centres isn't practical.

Why This Health Screening Matters for Workers

Lung disease linked to mine dust exposure often develops gradually, so early detection through consistent health checks gives affected individuals a better chance at receiving appropriate care sooner.

Programs like HEART5 highlight the importance of ongoing health surveillance for anyone with a history of dust exposure, supporting long-term wellbeing across mining communities.

Organisations managing workplace health risks can find guidance in resources such as the Health and Safety Manual, which outlines practical approaches to monitoring and protecting worker health.

Related Reading

• HEART5 reaches important landmark in lung health checks
• New regulations set to bolster workplace safety standards in Queensland
• Workplace Health and Safety Show

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