Get mining medical appointments within 72 hours
Our health screening vans and visiting doctors can perform coal mining medicals on-site, saving time and hassle. Alternatively, employees can come to one of our clinics. We guarantee appointments within 72 hours and can even do weekends.
QLD Coal Board Medical
We offer Coal Board Medicals to workers currently in NSW but whose placement will be at a mine in Queensland. This medical is required under the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme, which protects miner health and safety with mandatory periodic health assessments.
Our QLD Coal Board Medical includes the following checks:
- Respirator fit test
- Respiratory questionnaire
- Chest x-ray
- Spirometry test
- Cardiovascular system examination
- Musculoskeletal system examination
- Hearing test
- Vision test
- Auditory canal examination
- Abdomen examination
- Skin check
- Urinalysis
- Medical history questionnaire
Once all tests have been completed, our occupational health specialist will provide you with a summary report called a Section 4. This details whether the individual is fit, fit with restrictions or unfit to work.
ILO standard pneumoconiosis x-ray
A chest X-ray helps to ensure your miners receive an early diagnosis for any present lung disease, including Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis. We provide chest X-ray services to International Labour Organisation (ILO) Standards alongside accredited imaging providers. This highly complex and validated approach to radiology reporting records disease progression with the utmost accuracy.
NSW Order 43 Mining Medical
The Order 43 Mining Medical falls under the NSW Coal Mining Health and Safety Scheme. These mandatory pre-placement and periodic health assessments aim to protect the wellbeing of coal mine workers with the following tests:
- Respirator fit test
- Respiratory questionnaire
- Chest x-ray
- Spirometry test
- Cardiovascular system examination
- Musculoskeletal system examination
- Hearing test
- Vision test
- Auditory canal examination
- Abdomen examination
- Skin examination
- Urinalysis
- Medical history questionnaire
After a mining medical has been performed, our occupational health specialist shares a report known as a Section D. Similarly to Section 4 of the Coal Board Medical results, this summary confirms whether or not an individual is fit to work.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about our QLD and NSW medical tests for mining jobs.
What is coal workers' pneumoconiosis?
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as ‘black lung’, is a chronic respiratory disease caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust. The long-term inhalation of dust particles inflames our alveoli, eventually causing permanent lung damage. Alveoli are small sacs inside our lungs that facilitate the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the lungs and bloodstream. The severity of CWP varies from simple to advanced when it’s then deemed progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). A debilitating, often life-threatening condition, PMF must be detected and treated as early as possible.
Who pays for mining medicals?
Workers aren’t permitted to undergo private health assessments without an employer or intended employer. As a result, it’s your responsibility as an employer to ensure each mining worker completes a medical before starting their role. You must pay for this pre-placement medical, as well as any further reviews required. However, it’s the employee’s responsibility to pay for treatment after a Section 4 or Section D has been issued.
When will a mining medical report be available?
We understand that prompt mining medicals facilitate worker placement. That’s why we offer fast-tracked 24-hour reports, enabling you to meet short-notice placement deadlines without the stress.
Can you do a pre-employment medical at the same time?
Yes. We can perform any employee health assessment your business requires. In fact, Section 4 and Section D are the only information an employer can legally access from a mining medical without employee consent. We therefore recommend also booking a pre-employment medical.
How long does an Order 43 Medical last?
A NSW Order 43 Mining Medical is valid for 3 years and must be performed every 3 years.
How long does a Coal Board Medical last?
A QLD Coal Board Medical is valid for 5 years and must be performed every 5 years.
What’s the difference between an Order 41 Medical and Order 43 Medical?
Unlike an Order 41 Medical, an Order 43 Medical involves:
- Mandatory respirator fit testing
- Chest x-rays every three years for underground and open-cut coal miners
- Standardised reporting
- Both an approved medical practitioner and a registered nurse
- Completion of an Employer Role Requirement form before the health assessment takes place
