Health practice suspended after review of lung exam

Queensland’s Resources Regulator has suspended a health practice after an audit found inadequate lung testing was carried out on 135 miners.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) suspended the Mackay-based practice for six months after its audit found 30 per cent of the provider’s spirometry tests were unacceptable and did not meet minimum quality standards.

Spirometry tests assess lung function by measuring airflow in and out and can identify breathing disorders that occur in black lung disease.

The audit found that the practice had failed to effectively administer the tests, identify problems in the results, and provide accurate comments, resulting in incorrect test interpretations and multiple retests.

According to RSHQ, a total of 135 workers were affected by the poor testing.

“We recommend that all affected workers undergo repeat spirometry testing,” said Patrick Jensen, director of health strategy and compliance at RSHQ.

“While we always work with medical providers to improve screening quality through education and consultation, we do not shy away from taking appropriate regulatory action when necessary to protect the health and safety of workers.”

Mr Jensen said all coal mine workers affected by the audit findings, as well as their employers and doctors, would be contacted.