Young mine workers in Rockhampton encouraged to participate in free lung health assessments

Young Mine Workers in Rockhampton Encouraged to Participate in Free Lung Health Assessments

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), the state's mining regulatory body, has cautioned that a number of former workers in Rockhampton could be neglecting a crucial medical diagnosis. Younger former employees across the mining sector are being urged to prioritise their safety by getting tested, even years after leaving the industry.

Why Younger Former Workers Are at Risk

According to RSHQ, twenty percent of miners suffering from mine dust lung disease are below 55 years old, and almost fifty percent of these younger workers have been employed in mining for fewer than 20 years. In spite of this, only six percent of ex-workers taking advantage of RSHQ's no-cost lung assessments are below the age of 55.

This gap highlights a significant safety concern for the broader construction and mining community. Many former employees mistakenly assume that lung disease risk only affects retirees, when in fact environmental exposures during construction and mining work can cause harm regardless of age.

RSHQ's Call to Action

Director of the Health Surveillance Unit at RSHQ, Evan Pengelly, is encouraging younger individuals to participate in the free lung health assessments.

"Mine dust lung diseases are not just for the retired," said Mr Pengelly.

"We know young people can contract them too and so it's important all former workers, no matter their age, get tested after they've left mining and even if they've joined another industry."

RSHQ's free lung health checks are open to all former Queensland coal mine, mineral mine, and quarry workers, regardless of how long ago they left the sector. This safety initiative aims to identify environmental lung disease risks early, before symptoms become severe.

Broader Safety Implications for Construction and Mining Workers

Mine dust lung disease is not confined to one region or role. Former mine workers who transition into construction, manufacturing, or other environmental hazard-prone industries should still consider these assessments part of their ongoing safety routine.

For safety professionals across Australia managing workforce health programs, RSHQ's approach offers a useful model. Encouraging proactive lung health checks — rather than waiting until retirement — reflects best practice in environmental and occupational safety management.

Employers in construction and mining sectors can support this initiative by:

• Communicating the availability of free RSHQ lung assessments to current and former employees
• Embedding lung health awareness into broader workplace safety and environmental health programs
• Encouraging former construction and mining employees to seek testing even after changing industries

Safety leaders can also review related resources on free lung health assessments for ex-mine workers in north-west Queensland and former Mackay miners encouraged to assess their lung health for further context on this growing safety priority.

Supporting Broader Workforce Safety and Health Surveillance

Beyond lung health, organisations should maintain robust health surveillance records to track employee exposure and outcomes over time. Businesses employing younger workers in construction or mining should also reference the Young Persons At Work Checklist to ensure comprehensive safety coverage across all age groups.

Safety professionals seeking practical tools to support these initiatives can also explore the Health & Welfare Policy template, alongside broader industry resources available through the Workplace Health and Safety Show.

Key Takeaway

RSHQ's message is clear: mine dust lung disease affects workers of every age, not just retirees. Former Rockhampton mine workers, quarry employees, and those who have since moved into construction or other industries should book a free lung screening as soon as possible.

View complete information here.