A comprehensive lung health check is available at no charge for former Queensland mine and quarry workers local to Mackay, when the HEART5 truck returns in August.
The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
The B-double truck is packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment and travels around regional and remote Queensland offering tests that detect mine dust lung diseases.
Free checks are available to former Queensland mine and quarry workers with at least 3 years' experience working in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including 6 months in Queensland.
RSHQ's Director of Health Strategy and Compliance Patrick Jensen said the tests are important to do, even long after finishing work in the industry because occupational lung diseases can take 10 years or more to develop.
"Many former workers may not have symptoms or be aware they have a disease," said Mr Jensen.
"Come forward and get tested because there could be treatment available, and you may be entitled to compensation.
"It costs you nothing, just time. "
HEART5 screening includes:
• Examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor
• Chest X-ray
• Lung function test by spirometry
• CT scan (if required)
HEART5 has travelled to Mackay seven times since it began operating in 2022.
Retired Queensland miner Glenn Hank is living proof that a free lung check can change your life.
One year ago, he noticed some worrying symptoms and decided to get tested.
"I was pushing the mower around and getting shortness of breath," said Mr Hank.
"I can't do a lot of things that I used to be able to do."
The 59-year-old was tested on board the HEART5 truck one year ago, and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a mine dust lung disease attributed to 20 years of working in Queensland coal and mineral mines.
"My experience on the HEART5 truck was excellent," he said.
"If the truck is around and you can get to it, bloody go for sure."
"Have the test just to be on the safe side."
Bookings are essential. Call 1300 445 715 to book or visit online for more information: Contact | Miners' health matters (rshq.qld.gov.au)
HEART5 Mackay visit details:
Where: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget
When: Tuesday 6 August – Thursday 8 August 2024
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