WHAT WE DO

Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme

The Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme (CMWHS) (formerly called the QLD Coal Board Medical) is designed to protect the health of Queensland coal mine workers by ensuring they undergo compulsory health assessments.

Why is it important?

The scheme is used to determine fitness for work, and to provide early diagnosis and intervention for respiratory diseases like coal mine workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis.

To help carry out the scheme, Konekt provide assessments to:

  • Screen coal mine workers to detect early signs of disease
  • Refer workers for follow-up, diagnosis and management, if required
  • Reduce dust exposure for workers with respiratory abnormalities
  • Collect, analyse and reporting data to support reviews of dust exposure levels and occupational exposure limits for coal mines.

Workers are required to have an assessment when they enter the industry and then at least every five years while employed in the industry.

Employers of Queensland coal mine workers must ensure that health assessments are carried out on each person they employ or intend to employ.

Who does the scheme apply to?

The scheme applies to workers employed in high-risk tasks in Queensland coal mines.

This includes workers employed on coal exploration permits, mineral development licences and mining leases.

Workers employed in low-risk tasks, like office work, are not covered by the scheme.

Coal mine workers who are permanently retiring from the coal mining industry can request an exit assessment as part of the scheme.

To learn more about Konekt’s services for coal mine workers’ please contact us.

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