All retired and former Queensland coal and mineral mine workers and quarry workers are eligible for a free comprehensive lung health check every five years though the HEART5 truck.

The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).

The B-double truck is packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment and travels around regional and remote Queensland offering tests that detect mine dust lung diseases.

Free checks are available for former Queensland mine and quarry workers with at least three years’ experience working in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including 6 months in Queensland.

RSHQ’s Director of Health Strategy and Compliance Patrick Jensen said the tests are important to do, even long after finishing work in the industry because occupational lung diseases can take 10 years or more to develop.

“Many former workers may not have symptoms or be aware they have a disease.

“Come forward and get tested because there could be treatment available, and you may be entitled to compensation.

“It costs you nothing, just time.”

HEART5 screening includes an examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor, chest X-ray, lung function test by spirometry and a CT scan if required.

Retired Queensland miner Glenn Hank is living proof that a free lung check can change your life. One year ago, he noticed some worrying symptoms and decided to get tested.

“I was pushing the mower around and getting shortness of breath.

“I couldn’t do a lot of things that I used to be able to do.”

The 59-year-old was tested on board the HEART5 truck one year ago and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a mine dust lung disease attributed to 20 years of working in Queensland coal and mineral mines. 

“My experience on the HEART5 truck was excellent,” he said.

“If the truck is around and you can get to it, bloody go for sure. Have the test just to be on the safe side.”

Mine dust lung diseases can develop many years after workers leave the workforce. Many former workers may have very mild or no symptoms at all, and often blame slowly increasing shortness of breath on ageing.

A diagnosis of mine dust lung disease (MDLD) doesn’t mean the end of your career as a mine or quarry worker. It does, however, mean the types of roles you can perform may change. It’s important to remember that with the right management and precautions, a case of mine dust lung disease detected early is not life-threatening.

For information, services and support, the Queensland Government has established the Mine Dust Health Support Service who can assist with knowing your rights, the screening and diagnosis process and how to access ongoing support.

Mackay: 6th – 8th August  Toowoomba: 26th – 27th August  Townsville: 16th – 17th September         Collinsville: 19th – 20th September        Emerald: 18th – 19th November   Biloela: 20th – 21st November     Kingaroy: 19th – 20th December  Bookings are essential and can be made through the Mine Dust Health Support Service by emailing info@minedusthealthsupport.com or calling 1300 445 715 www.rshq.qld.gov.au/miners-health-matters