Black lung hotline gives quicker, easier lifesaving support

Confidential hotline to provide easier and faster advice for mine workers looking for black lung support

HOTLINE: The State Government will announce today the launch of the Mine Dust Health Support Service.

A SIMPLE phone call could soon lift the weight off mine workers’ chests, and provide lifesaving counselling and advice to those worried about respiratory diseases.

The State Government will today launch the Mine Dust Health Support Service that will provide information to current and former mine and quarry workers, their families and medical professionals concerned about mine-related diseases, including black lung.

Mackay MP and State Development assistant minister Julieanne Gilbert said the confidential hotline would provide faster, easier access to lifesaving services.

QUICKER AND EASIER: Mackay MP and State Development assistant minister Julieanne Gilbert said the confidential hotline would provide faster, easier access to lifesaving services. Photo: AAP Image Glenn Hunt

“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,” Ms Gilbert said.

The hotline, which goes live next month, would provide callers information about free health services and ready access to advice about workers’ compensation.

For the workers and families facing these diseases, WorkCover Queensland CEO Bruce Watson said the hotline’s announcement was an extremely positive step.

“This new service provides an enhanced, seamless service to those impacted by mine dust disease,” Mr Watson said.

Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke said mine dust lung disease impacted all aspects of a worker’s life and could cause significant personal and financial distress.

“For those who have developed these insidious diseases through their work, support is available,” Mr O’Rourke said.

The hotline was the latest change to the industry in the wake of the 2017 The Black Lung, White Lies report.

QUICK CALL: The hotline, which goes live in March, would provide callers information about free health services and ready access to advice about workers’ compensation.

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Dr Lynham said the hotline was part of a suite of sweeping reforms to protect mine workers including free respiratory health checks, and safety resets in mines and quarries.

The hotline will be open to current and former mine workers and their families, as well as doctors seeking information about the screening and diagnosis process.

The hotline was a collaborative engagement between the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, WorkCover and the Office of Industrial Relations.

The 1300 445 715 hotline will launch Monday, March 2.

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