QLD Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme

A Queensland Coal Mine Workers Health Assessment, or more commonly known as a Coal Board Medical, is a health surveillance tool performed as part of the Coal Mine Workers Health Scheme (CMWHS) on all coal mine workers (prospective and current) for the detection of Pneumoniosis or Black Lung. A CMWHS assessment is required for any Coal Worker seeking employment or currently employed within a Queensland Coal Mine. CMWHS Medicals are required upon entry into the coal mining industry with review required at least once every five years.

A standard CMWHS assessment will include

Medical History
Vision Test (including colour vision)
Audiometry Test (Hearing)
Examination of the auditory canal
Spirometry Test (Lung Function) by a RSHQ-Accredited Spirometry Practice
Respiratory Questionnaire
Urinalysis
Examination of the skin
Examination of the abdomen
Examination of the Cardiovascular System
Examination of the Musculoskeletal System
ILO Chest X-ray by an Accredited Radiology Centre and reported on by Lungscreen Australia

**Drug and Alcohol Screening is not included within the CMWHS assessment however can be performed additionally by QML Pathology within our practice.

What is required before making a booking for a CMWHS assessment?

For a candidate to be scheduled for a CMWHS assessment, they must have a current employer or prospective employer. A candidate cannot perform a CMWHS without an employer in attempt to prepare for future employment. The employer must complete the Section 1 of the CMWHS assessment to provide to the medical practice performing the assessment. The Section 1 will indicate employer and employment details, the Appointed Medical Advisor (AMA) for the medical, the reason for the health assessment, similar exposure groups (SEGs) and position requirements and hazard exposures. The employer must have an AMA to complete the Section 4 (the final sign-off) of the assessment which can be accessed at our practice.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

You will need to bring your Photo ID, corrective lenses (glasses) or hearing aids if required. It would also be beneficial to wear loose comfortable clothing as you will be required to move around during the medical. You will also need to ensure you have registered for a lungscreen ID and bring this with you to your appointment. This can be completed at www.lungscreen.com.

How long will the assessment take?

The assessment can take between 90 to 120 minutes within our practice including time for a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prior to entering the clinic, paperwork, time with the nurse and time with the doctor. If you require a chest x-ray you should also allow additional time for this as it is performed at an external clinic.

How long will it be before I receive my results?

Candidates should allow 7 to 10 days to receive the required section 4 of their CMWHS assessment with a letter from the AMA explaining the outcome of the medical. This allows for retrieval of previous CMWHS records from the Health Surveillance Unit (HSU), completion of the ILO (Lungscreen) report and review of all information for the completion of the section 4. In order to reduce the delay in receiving results previous records can be requested and chest x-rays can be performed prior to the CMWHS health assessment. Candidates should aim to schedule their periodic CMWHS review well in advance before their review is due to avoid being locked off site.

Who is responsible for the payment of the assessment and how much does it cost?

The employer is responsible for paying for all or part of the CMWHS assessment as per Section 47 (3) of the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulations (2001) including medical reviews. This does not include treatment required as a result of findings from the health assessment.

Prices for CMWHS Assessments

Ring up our clinic to get the prices of the different Assessments

What does Whitsunday Doctors Service offer for CMWHS Assessments?

Whitsunday Doctors Service has 4 Examining Medical Officers (EMOs) able to complete Sections 2 and 3 of the CMWHS assessment. We also have an Appointed Medical Advisor (AMA) to complete Section 4 sign-off of the assessment. Whitsunday Doctors Service is also a RSHQ accredited Spirometry practice and can also perform in-house audiometry reviews.

Making a Booking:

To make a booking for a CMWHS assessment or medical review please call Whitsunday Doctors Service Airlie Beach on 07 4967 7700 and Press 3 for Occupational Health or Click the link below to create a booking request.

Book in for a medical