Coal Services has launched a respiratory health campaign urging coal miners to stay vigilant about protecting their lungs.

The campaign was developed in support of the NSW Coal Industry Respiratory Health Standard, released in August 2024. The campaign aims to raise awareness about respiratory health and equip workers with the knowledge to protect their lungs effectively.

Key components of the campaign include promoting essential practices such as avoiding smoking and vaping, wearing properly fitted respiratory protection, understanding dust sources, following safe work practices to minimise dust exposure, and taking steps to enhance overall lung health.

Are you at risk of developing a dust-related lung disease?

Thanks to a rigorous system of regulation and compliance in NSW, your risk of developing a dust disease is low; however every coal mine worker must remain vigilant.

CS Health’s Head of Medicine Dr David Meredith explained that coal mining produces not only dust from coal, but also dust from other minerals, including silica.

“The risk of developing a dust-related disease is directly linked to a person’s total level of exposure. Repeated exposure can put coal mine workers at risk of developing coal mine dust lung diseases (CMDLD).”

CMDLD includes not only coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), otherwise known as black lung disease, which is caused by inhalation and build-up of coal dust, but also silicosis which is caused from the inhalation and build-up of respirable crystalline silica or quartz from drilling or cutting stone. It can also cause a mixture of both, mixed dust disease and sometimes a dust-related diffuse fibrosis.

“It also causes other obstructive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” he added.

The good news is coal mine dust lung diseases are 100% preventable.

To protect your lungs while at work you must always be aware of potential dust sources in your workplace and minimise your exposure by taking appropriate action. Some examples are:

• avoiding operating downwind of dust sources if possible
• using water sprays and appropriate cleaning techniques
• reporting any hazards you see
• wearing appropriately fitted respiratory PPE (bad news if you have facial hair… it can interfere with the respirator seal and decreases its effectiveness)

If you are exposed to coal mine dust and you also smoke or vape, your risk of developing a CMDLD is even higher. It is well known that smoking increases the risk of developing serious health issues including cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke, however vaping is also unsafe and can have serious impacts on your health.

Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and they may also contain many other dangerous substances that have been linked to significant health risks, including lung damage.

Since health surveillance and dust monitoring were introduced to the industry more than seven decades ago, instances of mine dust lung disease in NSW coal mines have dramatically reduced however Coal Services Health General Manager Kirsty Bates said that workers must never be complacent.

“Prevention and education are key – mine operators must have strong dust elimination and mitigation controls in place and workers should wear personal protective equipment when required and follow all safe work practices relating to dust disease prevention.

“This campaign is also focusing on smoking and vaping as it increases your risk of developing a CMDLD. Quitting is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your lung health.”

Coal Services conducts periodic chest x-rays for coal mineworkers which are a legal requirement in NSW as they allow for early detection and management if any sign of mine lung dust disease is detected.

“Even if you have no symptoms, it is still vitally important to maintain regular health screening and continue to attend health surveillance medicals even after you leave the industry.”

CS Health has developed a range of educational materials, including videos, posters, and fact sheets, which are available at www.coalservices.com.au/lung-health/