February 25, 2020
A new support service for current and former mine and quarry workers exposed to dust in Queensland will be available from March 2.
Assistant State Development Minister Julieanne Gilbert said a confidential hotline – 1300-445-715 – would give current and former mine workers faster access to the services they need.
“Easy access to accurate workplace health information and free services is essential for concerned and affected workers and their families,” she said.
“My constituents, both past or current mine workers, tell me it can be a challenge to navigate various public and private sector organisations to find information and services.
“The one-stop shop will provide them expert advice and support on navigating the system – from pre-health screening to accessing post workers’ compensation claim support services and everything in between.”
Callers to the Mine Dust Health Support Service will be able to get information about mine worker health services, including free chest x-rays and lung function tests, and access to advice about workers’ compensation.
WorkCover Queensland CEO Bruce Watson said that the Mine Dust Health Support service was a positive step forward in tackling the impact these diseases can have on workers and their families.
The hotline is a collaborative effort between the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy; WorkCover and the Office of Industrial Relations.
