PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Another case of coal miner’s pneumoconiosis has been confirmed in Queensland.
The latest case involved a 51-year old electrician who previously worked in underground coal mines, but was not currently active in the mining industry.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said that a routine pre-employment medical assessment revealed abnormalities which, following further scans and tests, was confirmed as coal worker’s pneumoconiosis by a Brisbane-based respiratory physician.
The latest report comes on the heels of the state government announcing a five-point plan to deal with health issues in the coal mining sector, as black lung disease returned to the Australian mining sector.
The five-point plan includes a review to improve the existing screening system to allow chest X-rays when coal miners started work, and at least every five years, and will also take action on coal mines exceeding regulated limits on dust levels, while improving how information is collected and used to ensure cases are not missed.
The latest confirmed case of the black lung disease brought the number of affected patients to six, while data on other possible cases have been requested.