The Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme safeguards the health of Queensland coal mine workers by mandating regular health assessments. These assessments are required upon entry into the industry and at least every five years while employed. Employers in Queensland are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of health assessments for each coal mine worker they employ or plan to employ.

A CMWHS Health Assessment includes the following components:

• ILO chest X-ray
• Spirometry test
• Respiratory questionnaire
• Medical history questionnaire
• Hearing test
• Vision test
• Urinalysis
• Skin examination
• Cardiovascular examination
• Musculoskeletal examination
• Abdomen examination
• Specialist follow-up tests if required

The following candidates are eligible to complete an CMWHS medical:

• New coal mine workers before they start work in the industry
• Current coal mine workers (required every 5 years)
• Mine rescue personnel (required every 1 or 2 years depending on age)
• Exiting coal mine workers
• Retired / former coal mine workers*

* Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) covers the cost of comprehensive lung checks for eligible retired and former coal mine workers. To confirm your eligibility contact the Mine Dust Health Support Service at 1300 445 715 or info@minedusthealthsupport.com. For more information about this program visit: RSHQ Former Worker Assessment Program.

Section 1 (Employer): The employer is responsible for arranging the CMWHS health assessment and completing Section 1 of the assessment form. This section includes information about the employer’s Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA), the worker’s role or position at the site, similar exposure groups, and any specific employment-related risks. During this process, the employer can apply for a Lungscreen ID, or Boncentric can handle this on your behalf. Coal mine workers can also obtain a Lungscreen ID free of charge here.

Section 2 (Worker): The coal mine worker completes the Worker Section, which includes personal details and their work and medical history. This information remains confidential and is not shared with the employer.

Section 3 (Examination): This section is completed by the Examining Medical Officer (EMO) and includes assessment details and clinical findings. As part of the health assessment, the worker must undergo a chest X-ray following the “ILO Classification” international standard, along with a respiratory questionnaire, spirometry test, and other fitness-for-duty components. This section is also not shared with the employer.

Section 4 (Assessment): Once Section 3 is complete, the health assessment results are sent to the employer’s AMA. The AMA reviews Section 3 to determine the worker’s fitness for duty, necessary work restrictions, and any additional investigations needed. This information is documented in Section 4, which the AMA completes only after all examinations are finished, including the ILO Chest X-ray and spirometry. This is the only section that is provided to the employer.

Boncentric prioritises employee confidentiality. Medical records are safeguarded under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the confidentiality provisions of Section 52 of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017.

Only Section 4 of the health assessment can be shared with the employer unless the employee provides explicit consent. Employees can also obtain a copy of their health assessment records by submitting a written request to the RSHQ Health Surveillance Unit (HSU). The AMA may disclose health assessment records to other parties only in specific circumstances permitted by the Regulation, and with the employee’s written consent, unless it is an emergency situation.

As a mobile service provider, Boncentric has the capacity to perform onsite CMWHS services in the following locations:

• Bowen Basin
• Surat Basin
• Tarong Basin
• Callide Basin
• Galilee Basin
• North West Minerals Province
• Opal and gem fields in the West and South West of Queensland
• North Queensland gold fields

As part of the CMWHS health assessment, employers must designate an Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA). The AMA is responsible for conducting, overseeing, and reporting on health assessments and exit examinations for coal mine workers.

Boncentric can collaborate with your current AMA to deliver specific onsite services, such as radiology or spirometry, or can provide all required examination components under CMWHS guidelines.

Alternatively, Boncentric can offer the services of our AMAs who are leaders in their field and meet all qualifications and experience standards for assessing coal mine workers.

If you prefer us to partner with your existing AMA or would like to appoint one of Boncentric’s physicians as your site’s AMA, please reach out to us.