QLD Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme

Assisting in the screening and detection of pneumoconiosis or “black lung” in Queensland Coal Miners.

Overview

Changes to QLD Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme

As a consequence of the detection of “black lung” in some Queensland Miners in 2016 a review of the medical assessments process was competed.

Legislation changes came into effect in 2018, with further changes in 2019. All changes are aimed to ensure coal employees are adequately screened for Coal Miners pneumoconiosis or “black lung”. Sonic HealthPlus’ Chief Medical Officer Dr Keith Adam, has been working closely with the Queensland Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ) to ensure changes are implemented through the Sonic HealthPlus business.

Important Update

As of March 1 2019 further legislative changes come into effect that mean changes in Sonic HealthPlus’ process in regards to:

ILO Chest X-ray process and price
Worker Lungscreen ID registration
Approved provider network – including EMOs, AMAs, spirometry clinics and radiology providers
Employer Appointed Medical Adviser

1. Ongoing Coal Worker Medical Assessments – New-starter and Periodic

On March 1, 2019 a newly revised Health Assessment Form comes into effect. The form has been reviewed by our Quality Assurance team who advise the changes are administrative, and no additional testing requirements exist. All previous medical assessments forms have been superseded at our medical clinics.

Section 1

Section 1 is completed by the employer. It includes information about the AMA, the employer, the worker's position, similar exposure groups and the health risks associated with employment

Section 2

Section 2 is completed by the worker. It documents the worker's personal details as well as work and medical history information. Photo ID must be brought to the assessment

Section 3

Section 3 is completed by an examining medical officer and details clinical findings

Section 4

Section 4 (the health assessment report) is completed and signed by the AMA and details fitness for duty, work restrictions and requirements for a subsequent follow-up and assessment of the worker. Only this section is forwarded to the employer.

Important:

The AMA only completes Section 4 when all examinations and follow up investigations, including the ILO outcome after the dual-B-read process. Interim Section 4’s are no longer available.

Lungscreen ID registration

The employer should advise the worker/candidate that it is mandatory to register on the Lungscreen portal. The worker/candidate will then automatically be issued with a registration number. It is vital the candidate/worker registers as soon as possible and registration is only required once.

The worker/candidate can complete the online registration here.

Ideally the workers Lungscreen ID is provided at the time of booking, but can be provided at the clinic on the day of assessment.

ILO Chest X-Ray process and price

Previously ILO Chest X-rays could be completed at most Radiology locations, with the US based B-read being coordinated (and paid for) by the DNRME.

As of March 1 2019 it is mandatory that Lungscreen Australia complete the B-read. The cost of this service is no longer paid for by DNRME, and must be borne by the employer. Lungscreen will classify coal mine worker Chest X-rays to the ILO Classification and will provide the final ILO report back to the referring doctor.

There will no longer be an Interim Report available. The Section 4 can only be released AFTER the final B-read by Lungscreen.

These changes will affect the cost of providing the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Medical to companies. For more information on these charges please contact your Client Partner.

How long will it take to receive my results?

A Queensland Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme assessment includes a number of assessments conducted externally to the Sonic HealthPlus clinic, and the oversighting by your company’s Approved Medical Advisor (AMA) before it is complete.

The time frame for the delivery of your results can vary as outlined below:

Where the worker is fit and all testing is completed on the day of appointment (including ILO Chest X-ray) will take up to 6-10 days.

* Urgent service not available in QLD Alliance Clinics.

Where the worker has a medical issue to be followed up, or there are delays in completing off-site services (eg ILO Chest X-ray) will take up to 21 days.

To ensure your workers are job site ready please plan ahead. Sonic HealthPlus recommends booking medical assessments a minimum of one month prior to a worker’s Section 4 expiry date.

2. Review X-Rays

Legislation requires that all Queensland Coal mine workers require a NEW ILO Chest X-ray every five years as a minimum. In addition, although a new image may not be required, you must always be able to provide a copy of the previous report for the AMA to consider when reviewing your medical fitness. It is the experience of our AMAs that ILO Chest X-rays older than two years may have quality issues with the image or report. We recommend you get a new image and report completed if you are unable to provide a report that is less than two years old.

Please select the additional service of ILO Chest X-ray if you are unable to provide a copy of a recent ILO Chest X-ray report (from the past two years) at the time of your appointment. The Section four cannot be completed by the AMA without either the new, or previous ILO Chest X-ray report.

Where reliance on a past report is made, it is the responsibility of the candidate to provide this report at the time of the medical. The medical will be pending until the information is received and can be processed.

Booking your Qld Coal Workers Health Scheme Assessment

To streamline the booking of Qld Coal Worker Health Assessments and ensure compliance with the Queensland Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ), Sonic HealthPlus introduced a new booking process in May 2018.

Qld Coal Worker Health Assessments need to be submitted through the online appointment request page. The appointment request page includes a link to the Section 1 for your booking representative to complete. If the requesting information including Section 1 of the form is not supplied we will be unable to complete your bookings.

In addition, you need to provide the Lungscreen ID for the worker. Follow the link here to obtain a Lungscreen ID if you do not have one.

Book Now

Change of Employer

A coal worker changing employer must undergo a CMWHS medical assessment relevant to their new employer and role risk profile. Although a CMHWS medical assessment is valid for a period of up to five years, Sonic Health Plus will only consider a Change of Employer AMA Review where the previous assessment was completed after 27/4/18 and provision of new (and complete) Section 1 (from prospective employer).

Date of Examination by EMO *

1. AMA Review only (Basic)

Fee: $90 + GST

Select this option if the current CMWHS medical was conducted by a Sonic HealthPlus clinic.

Please complete the below forms
in full and attached to the booking:

Section 1 – CMSHR Health Assessment Form
This form should be completed
in full by the new employer

Download

Section 2.1 – 2.7 – CMSHR Health Assessment Form
This form should be completed in full by the employee

Download

A copy of the Section 4

2. AMA Review + Admin Support (Complex)

Fee: $180 + GST

Select this option if the current CMWHS medical was conducted by a provider other than Sonic HealthPlus.

Please complete the below forms
in full and attached to the booking:

Section 1 – CMSHR Health Assessment Form
This form should be completed
in full by the new employer

Download

Section 2.1 – 2.7 – CMSHR Health Assessment Form
This form should be completed in full by the employee

Download

Release of coal mine worker’s health records

Download

CMO Authorisation to release medical information

Download

A colour copy of your ID (i.e. drivers license) will also need to be attached to your booking request

A copy of the Section 4

QLD Coal Board Medical Type *

Are you a company or private patient? *

Company

Private Patient

Company Name/Debtor *

Client ID

Candidate Name *

Candidate DOB *

Candidate Email Address *

Candidate Mobile Number

Employer Name *

AMA First Name

AMA Last Name

AMA Email Address

AMA Phone Number

AMA Clinic Name

Requesting Person First Name *

Requesting Person Last Name *

Requesting Person Email *

Requesting Person Phone *

Requesting Person Mobile (optional)

Previous Clinic Location *

QLD Alliance Clinic

Upload 'Section 1 CMSHR Health Assessment Form' *

Upload 'Section 2.1 – 2.7 CMSHR Health Assessment Form' *

Upload 'Release of coal mind worker’s health record' *

Upload 'CMO authorisation to release medical information' *

Upload 'ID' *

Upload 'Section 4' *

Comments

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NB: The AMA reserves the right to notify the employee/employer that a new Section 4 cannot be completed with only past medical information and that further assessment is required. In this instance the employee must complete the required medical components requested by the AMA prior to the new Section 4 being provided. Turnaround times will not apply in these circumstances.

Queensland Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Appoint a Medical Adviser

Sonic HealthPlus Occupational Physicians and Registrars in occupational medicine are Appointed Medical Advisers (AMA) for a number of Queensland Mines and will ensure these assessments are completed to the standards that meet the requirements of the legislation.

In 2019, the term Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA) replaced the terminology Nominated Medical Adviser (NMA). This is a legislated change.

Employers are required to appoint one or more medical practitioners as their Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA). The AMA's role is to carry out, supervise and report on health assessments and retirement examinations for the employer's coal mine workers. Only the employer's AMA can complete and sign Section 4 of the relevant health assessment form for the employer's coal mine workers. However, Section 3 of the forms can be completed by an examining medical officer (EMO) working under the supervision of the AMA.

If your organization does not have an AMA please complete the form below and we can arrange this appointment on your behalf. If you already have a Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA), please advise:

First Name *

Last Name *

Company Name *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

State *

Do you already have a Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA)? *

Yes

Please provide your AMA's details

First Name *

Last Name *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Clinic Name *

Please advise if you have a preferred Sonic HealthPlus Appointed Medical Adviser (if known)

Preferred AMA's Details (if known)

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Examining Medical Advisers

As of March 1 2019, the medical assessment component (Section 3) of the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme Assessment can only be undertaken by approved Examination Medical Officers (EMO). Sonic HealthPlus has EMO’s in all Queensland Clinics, Perth WA and a few locations in NSW.

Spirometry Clinics

As of March 1 2019, it is a requirements that clinicians conducting the respiratory function test components of the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme Assessment meet stringent standards. All Queensland based, and several clinics in WA and NSW are approved Spirometry Clinics.

Sonic HealthPlus has an internal Spiro Quality Assurance Program that oversees the credentialing of all Examining Medical Officers (EMO), Appointed Medical Adviser (AMA), Spirometry Operators (SO) and Spirometry (Lung Function) Practice Registrations. This team audits all our participating clinics on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) spirometry procedures, standards and equipment. This program is managed by our Clinical Governance Division and is further testament to our clinical quality in delivering this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am told I need to appoint an Approved Medical Adviser how do I do this?

Employers are required to appoint one or more medical practitioners as their appointed medical adviser (AMA). The AMA's role is to carry out, supervise and report on health assessments for the employer's coal mine workers. Only the employer's appointed AMA can complete and sign Section 4 of the relevant health assessment form for the employer's coal mine workers. However, Section 3 of the forms can be completed by an examining medical officer working under the supervision of the AMA.

If your organization does not have an AMA please click here to request Sonic HealthPlus’s assistance in arranging this appointment on your behalf.

I am an employer, what sections of the health assessment must I complete?

Section 1 is completed by the employer. It includes information about the AMA, the employer, the worker's position, similar exposure groups (SEG) and the health risks associated with employment. It is important this is completed in full or delays may be experienced in finalizing Section 4 (the health assessment report).

If a worker changes employers do they need health assessment?

A new health assessment may be required, however please discuss the specific situation with your AMA.

Why can’t my candidates/workers go to an x-ray clinic of their choice?

DNRME has engaged Lungscreen Australia to coordinate an Australian-based dual-read program.

From 1 March 2019, Lungscreen Australia will replace US-based B-reading for all Queensland coal mine worker chest X-rays. All chest X-rays must be sent to Lungscreen Australia from this date.

Amendments to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 commencing 1 March 2019 will make this a mandatory requirement of the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme.

Lungscreen will classify coal mine worker chest X-rays to the ILO Classification and will provide the final ILO report back to the referring doctor.

Higher fees will be charged for chest x-rays from 1 March 2019 as the DNRME is no longer funding the dual B process and employers will need to pay for this service from this date.

Do I have to get copies of previous lung function tests?

No, Sonic HealthPlus will obtain these results from DNRME, if DNRME don’t have copies and you have had a spirometry test at a clinic we will contact you to obtain consent to retrieve these records from the practice.

In addition, since the introduction of regulatory changes in 2017 to the CMWHS, respiratory function examinations undertaken as part of periodic health assessments include a comparative assessment with previous respiratory function results when available.

From 1 March 2019, no Interim Section 4 Reports will be issued.

Where can I get copies of health assessments?

Completed health assessment and retirement examination forms (including the health assessment and retirement examination reports) are the property of the Resources Safety & Health Queensland (RSHQ). The confidentiality of these forms and reports is protected by law.

DNRME can release copies of completed forms and reports to:

the worker, or another person with the consent of the worker
a doctor or hospital without the coal mine worker's consent if the information is needed to treat the worker and the worker is unable to give consent
to a person, such as a doctor, without the coal mine worker's consent to enable the person to carry out an assessment or review (e.g. comparative assessment of spirometry)
an appropriately qualified person for approved research (i.e. approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee under the Public Health Act 2005 or similar body) without the coal mine worker’s consent.

How do I request copies of my health assessment?

Workers can obtain additional copies of their completed health assessment or retirement examination form from the appointed medical adviser (AMA). The AMA may charge for this service.

DNRME can also supply copies of completed forms and reports free of charge. Workers, and those wanting to obtain records where the worker's consent is required, must make a request in writing using the consent application form and include:

the worker's full name and date of birth
where to send the medical (name and address)
the worker's signature and date of the request.
Photo identification is required.
Completion of a Consent Application Form is required and can be found at the DNRME website: https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1404086/hsu-medical-release-form.pdf

Email the application to HSU@dnrme.qld.gov.au.

What is coal workers’ pneumoconiosis?

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is one of a range of mine dust lung diseases (MDLD) caused by long-term exposure to mine dust.

Mine dust lung diseases (MDLD) are caused by long-term exposure to high concentrations of respirable dust, generated during mining and quarrying activities. MDLD include a range of occupational lung conditions including:

coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP)
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
silicosis
asbestosis.

I am told I have work restrictions what does this mean?

Depending on the type of health problem, the appointed medical adviser (AMA) may place some restrictions on a worker to minimise their risk (and risk to others) and prevent further injury or illness. Restrictions are detailed in Section 4 of the approved health assessment form and are explained to the worker by the AMA when the approved form is completed.

Restrictions do not necessarily preclude the worker from working, if they are still able to undertake the job safely. However, it is up to employers to determine whether these restrictions can be accommodated.

Can we (the employer) request the AMA visit the mine site?

Yes, and we encourage your company to engage with the AMA as much as possible. These doctors are highly trained medical professionals often with specialist training in occupational medicine. They are able to provide sound risk management advice and their frequent exposure at the mine site provides confidence to the workforce that they truly understand the risks associated with site and tasks.

What is a Queensland Mine Rescue Medical?

Mines rescue operations are physically and psychologically demanding and may involve working conditions that would not normally be considered tolerable.

Toxic atmospheres and poor ventilation encountered in rescue situations require personnel to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for many operations. This, along with heavy physical work such as shifting fallen material and retrieving casualties, significantly increases the risk for heat stress, particularly as heat and humidity underground may already be high.

These conditions require a higher level of personal health and fitness than for normal mining operations. For this reason, the health assessment for mines rescue personnel needs to be more stringent than that for normal mining work (e.g. the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme).

When and how often must workers be assessed?

Health assessment for mines rescue personnel must be carried out:

every 2 years for persons up to age 40
every year for persons aged 40 and over.

Please note: If someone completes a medical at the age of 39, they will need to complete another medical when they turn 40, then yearly from then.

How the health assessment works?

The health assessment is in 2 parts:

Part A is the medical examination conducted on the approved form for the Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme, but applying more stringent criteria.
Part B is the assessment of physical fitness through the VO2 max step test.

The health assessment should only be conducted and signed off by doctors who are experienced an Approved Medical Advisers under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017.

Will these changes impact on the cost of a medical?

There will be additional costs for the employer in relation to the ILO Chest X-ray process. As of March 1 2019 the DNRME no longer covers the costs associated with the dual-B reading process. The employer must now cover the costs of the ILO Chest X-ray image AND the ILO Chest X-ray dual-B reading process.

Why can we no longer get a medical completed on the same day?

Several factors now limit Sonic HeatlhPlus’ capacity to complete medicals on the same day. However the main influencer is that Interim Section 4’s are no longer permitted. The AMA must wait for the final Lungscreen ILO Chest x-Ray B Read report before being able to complete the Section 4.

We are aware this may cause operational issues for our clients and will work with you where ever we can to expedite processes. However our best advice is plan ahead. Ensure all your workers have registered for Lungscreen IDs ahead of time.

The form changed 12 months ago, why has it changed again?

The Monash Review provided recommendations on the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme to include updated detection quality with the view of disease prevention as opposed to just being cleared for working on-site. This includes updated spirometry equipment, training and testing.

Can you complete a medical without all of the information?

Sonic HealthPlus will not book an appointment for a QLD Coal Board without all of the required Section 1 information.

Why does the employer need to complete Section One?

The Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (Qld) in Section 46 places the onus on the employer for monitoring the level of risk an employee is exposed to on site. Section 1 can only be completed by the employer because they are the only person with the knowledge of the site, the risks, and the role and tasks the worker will undertake. Section 1.5 also requires hazard exposures to be listed and this can only be completed accurately by the site expert.

The DNRM requires that employers establish and use their own similar exposure groups(SEGs) based on observation and knowledge of their operations. There is a table of groups and codes in the following tables provided by DNMR. These SEGs are used to facilitate employers reporting to the Mines Inspectorate.

You can find the link to the SEG's here

There is a new consent form – where is my medical information going?

Your medical information is forwarded from the examining doctor to the AMA. When completed the required documents are uploaded to the department portal. Sonic HP keeps all health records in compliance with the privacy regulations.

Can I complete a QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical without having a confirmed job at a mine?

No. We are currently seeking advice from the department on this issue for individuals wanting to be mine ready and will advise in due course.

Can I use a QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical with a different employer/Section 4?

This is possible however it is not a simple process and one that candidates need to manage. For further information contact the Specialised Services Unit on 1300 588 440.

How long does a QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical last for?

Current validity is five years as per the ILO testing requirements.

What is the SEG number?

This number identifies you as part of a group that have the same general exposure risks. Mine operators must use these categories to report to the department.

Can I use my QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical to work in NSW?

Different states have different legislative requirements and you need to meet the legislative requirements for the state you will be working in.

Change of Employer

A Coal Worker changing employer must undergo a CMWHS medical assessment relevant to their new employer and role risk profile. Although a CMHWS medical assessment is valid for a period of up to 5 years, SHP will only consider a Change of Employer AMA Review where the previous assessment was completed after 27/4/18.

The AMA will require the following to consider this:

Copy of full past results
New Section 1 from prospective employer

Can I request my results from the DNRME?
Yes.
Simply use the HSU Request form to request a full copy of your results. This is provided free of charge. Provide these with your booking request.

How long will it take to get my new Section 4?
After the AMA has received the full past results they will either review and issue a new Section 4, or contact you for further information. This will occur within 10 business days of the full results being available. The AMA reserves the right to request additional information or assessments in the process of making a final decision. Turnaround timeframes will not apply in these situations. You will be requires to pay for any additional assessments requested.

Why is this only available for medicals done post April 2018?
This date reflects the date after which it is the opinion of SHP that the results available from the previous medical will be of sufficient quality to allow preparation of the new Section 4, without repeating the full medical assessments. In April 2018 the CMWHS paperwork was expanded to include additional critical information and standards for the delivery of Spirometry for Coal Mine Workers (TSANZ) was introduced.

Further Information

For further information please contact your client partner or the Specialised Services Unit:

1300 588 440 ssu@sonichealthplus.com.au sonichealthplus.com.au

QLD Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme

Changes to QLD Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme

Important Update

1. Ongoing Coal Worker Medical Assessments – New-starter and Periodic

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Important:

Lungscreen ID registration

ILO Chest X-Ray process and price

How long will it take to receive my results?

B-read

2. Review X-Rays

Booking your Qld Coal Workers Health Scheme Assessment

Queensland Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Medical Appointment Request Form

Request a Subsequent Review

Change of Employer

1. AMA Review only (Basic)

2. AMA Review + Admin Support (Complex)

Queensland Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme Appoint a Medical Adviser

Please provide your AMA's details

Please advise if you have a preferred Sonic HealthPlus Appointed Medical Adviser (if known)

Examining Medical Advisers

Spirometry Clinics

Frequently Asked Questions

I am told I need to appoint an Approved Medical Adviser how do I do this?

I am an employer, what sections of the health assessment must I complete?

If a worker changes employers do they need health assessment?

Why can’t my candidates/workers go to an x-ray clinic of their choice?

Do I have to get copies of previous lung function tests?

Where can I get copies of health assessments?

How do I request copies of my health assessment?

What is coal workers’ pneumoconiosis?

I am told I have work restrictions what does this mean?

Can we (the employer) request the AMA visit the mine site?

What is a Queensland Mine Rescue Medical?

When and how often must workers be assessed?

How the health assessment works?

Will these changes impact on the cost of a medical?

Why can we no longer get a medical completed on the same day?

The form changed 12 months ago, why has it changed again?

Can you complete a medical without all of the information?

Why does the employer need to complete Section One?

There is a new consent form – where is my medical information going?

Can I complete a QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical without having a confirmed job at a mine?

Can I use a QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical with a different employer/Section 4?

How long does a QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical last for?

What is the SEG number?

Can I use my QLD Coal Mine Worker's Medical to work in NSW?

Change of Employer

Further Information

Enquire about QLD Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme

General Practice

Occupational Health

General Practice

Occupational Health

QLD Coal Medicals

Individual

Company

Phone Our Bookings Team

Email Our Bookings Team

New Client

Existing Client