Resources Safety and Health Queensland suspends spirometry company after black lung testing blunder

A black lung screening error has been uncovered in Queensland, with 135 miners told they must undergo re-testing for the deadly disease.

An audit by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) found a 30 per cent error rate in pulmonary function tests carried out by a Mackay spirometry company last year.

The medical company, which RSHQ did not name, was suspended for six months for providing substandard tests.

Spirometry tests are used to detect breathing disorders that occur in black lung disease, which is caused by long-term inhalation of coal mine dust.

Patrick Jensen, RSHQ’s director of health strategy and compliance, said all affected coal miners were called on Wednesday and follow-up letters were sent.

He said their employers and doctors have also been contacted.

“We recommend that all affected workers undergo repeat spirometry testing,” Mr. Jensen said.

“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.”

He said the audit found that 30 percent of the provider’s spirometry tests were unacceptable and did not meet minimum quality standards.

It was determined that the spirometry practice did not perform the tests effectively, failed to identify problems in the test results, and did not provide accurate comments, resulting in misinterpretation of the results.

“Disgusting” failure rate

Mining and Energy Union industrial and health officer Jason Hill said 30 per cent was a “disgusting” failure rate.

“It’s a bit of a shock when you see that a clinic or a doctor has failed so often,” he said.

Jason Hill is concerned about the exam results.(Delivered: Mining and Energy Union)

Mr Hill said he was concerned about the health of workers in central Queensland.

He said that since the resurgence of black lung disease in 2015, the union had advocated for tests to be carried out by independent doctors who did not work for mining companies.

“The industry cannot rely on doctors who are paid by the company,” Hill said.

He said the disease is manageable if detected early.

“People can continue to stay employed and hopefully live full, healthy lives,” Mr Hill said.

“But if it is not addressed early, people will continue to be exposed to unreasonable levels of dust – then it will ultimately be a death sentence.”

Importance of testing

Mr Hill said black lung disease could cause a slow and painful death.

“That’s why it’s so important that these screening processes are carried out accurately and correctly,” he said.

Mr Hill said he would like to see better dust monitoring.

“Other jurisdictions in the world are conducting independent data monitoring,” he said.

“We need to raise our standards – we can’t rely on the fox to rule the hen house.”

Mr Jensen said the suspension sent a clear signal to health care providers that the health of coal mine workers was being put at risk by poor medical screening.

“The re-identification of black lung disease in Queensland in 2015 demonstrated the importance of ensuring medical assessment is of a high standard and the consequences of failing to do so,” he said.

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