Number of ex-miners in Mackay suffering from lung disease disclosed

Statistics provided by Resources Safety and Health Queensland reveal that ten percent of former miners assessed in Mackay have been found to have a lung disease caused by mine dust.

According to RSHQ, since 2019, the HEART5 Mobile Health Unit along with authorised local clinics assessed 312 former employees in Mackay, discovering that 32 had developed a lung disease due to their work in the mining industry. These findings highlight why former Mackay miners are encouraged to assess their lung health even years after leaving site work behind.

HEART5 is set to return to Mackay this week, and ex-mine and quarry workers are invited to register for a free test. Queensland communities rely on programs like this to catch mine dust related illness before symptoms worsen.

"We're really proud to offer the services available on board HEART5," RSHQ's Health Surveillance Unit Director Evan Pengelly said.

"One in ten people being diagnosed with a disease shows that workers can contract a mine dust lung disease even after they have left the mining industry and highlights just how vital these tests are to Queensland communities."

Why Free Health Testing Matters for Former Miners

Mine dust exposure does not always cause immediate symptoms, so ongoing health monitoring plays a critical role in early detection. Workers who spent years in coal mines or quarries may not notice signs of lung disease until decades after their last shift.

Organisations such as approved medical providers conducting lung disease screenings for Queensland coal miners continue supporting these efforts through accredited testing services.

Supporting Broader Workplace Safety Efforts

Beyond individual testing, employers across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors have a duty to prioritise safety through robust health surveillance programs. Consistent monitoring protects workforce wellbeing while reducing long-term liability for businesses.

Former employees who may have been exposed to hazardous dust are also being urged to seek testing through related initiatives — see our coverage on former miners being encouraged to undergo testing for undetected silicosis, COPD, and black lung disease.

Maintaining strong safety culture within organisations, including flexible arrangements such as those outlined in our Working from Home Management Plan, Working from Home Policy, and Working from Home Agreement, supports comprehensive health and safety planning across all industries, not solely mining.

Read more here.