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Pre-Employment Medicals

NSW Order 43 Coal Mine Workers Medicals.

Statutory Order 43 medicals for coal mine workers in New South Wales — delivered by KINNECT, an approved provider under the NSW Coal Mining Health and Safety Scheme.

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Approved Order 43 provider under the NSW Coal Mining Health and Safety Scheme. Delivered nationally across KINNECT clinics.

At a glance
Statutory medical
Scheme
NSW Coal Mining Health & Safety Scheme
Administered by
Coal Services
Frequency
Pre-placement, every 3 years, on exit
Includes
Clinical exam · ILO chest x-ray · Respirator fit test
Replaces
Order 41 (from 1 July 2018)
Quick answer

The short version

The NSW Order 43 Medical is the statutory health assessment for coal mine workers in New South Wales, mandated under the Coal Mining Health and Safety Scheme administered by Coal Services. It includes a clinical examination, an ILO-standard chest x-ray and a quantitative respirator fit test, and is required pre-placement, every three years, and on exit from the industry. KINNECT is an approved Order 43 provider and delivers the medical at our clinics nationally — including for workers who live outside NSW.

What it is

The statutory health check for NSW coal mine workers.

The Order 43 is a mandatory occupational examination that forms part of the NSW Coal Mining Health and Safety Scheme, a scheme managed by Coal Services. The scheme protects the health and safety of NSW coal miners through mandatory periodic health assessments.

Order 43 replaced Order 41 on 1 July 2018, building on the existing framework to better protect employee health.

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Find a KINNECT clinic near you.

Explore our current clinic locations. Service availability varies by clinic, so contact us to confirm the right location for this service.

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When it’s required

Three trigger points across a coal worker’s career.

Order 43 is staged across the worker’s time in the industry — from first day on site through to the day they leave.

  1. 1

    Pre-placement

    Coal mine workers must complete an Order 43 pre-placement medical before commencing work in a NSW coal operation.

  2. 2

    Periodic (every 3 years)

    Every coal worker must undertake the periodic medical assessment every three years from the date of their pre-placement medical.

  3. 3

    Exit medical

    Employers must offer an exit medical to any worker who is retiring or otherwise leaving the industry, so any underlying conditions are identified and managed.

What’s assessed

Three primary components.

An Order 43 Medical is built from a clinical examination, an ILO-standard chest x-ray and a respirator fit test — each delivered to the standards required by Coal Services.

Order 43 Medical

  • Medical History Questionnaire
  • Vision Test
  • Spirometry Test
  • Respiratory Questionnaire
  • Urinalysis
  • Hearing Test
  • Auditory Canal Examination
  • Cardiovascular System Examination
  • Musculoskeletal System Examination
  • Abdomen Examination
  • Skin Examination

Chest X-Ray

ILO standard

Performed and reported to ILO 2011 international standard for pneumoconioses.

Respirator Fit Test

AS/NZS 1715

Quantitative fit testing in line with AS/NZS 1715:2009 — measures face-seal leakage and reports a numerical fit factor for the worker’s nominated respirator.

Standards & compliance

Delivered to the standards Coal Services expects.

Every Order 43 we run is performed and reported to the scheme’s required standards — with results submitted directly to Coal Services and a Section D returned to the employer.

NSW CMHSS

Coal Mining Health & Safety Scheme

Order 43 is the statutory periodic medical under the Scheme, administered by Coal Services.

ILO 2011

International Labour Organization classification

Chest x-rays are reported using the ILO international classification for pneumoconioses.

AS/NZS 1715

Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment

Quantitative respirator fit testing aligns with AS/NZS 1715:2009 — reporting a numerical fit factor for the worker’s nominated mask.

FAQ

Common questions about Order 43.

Quick answers on Section D reports, when the medical is required, and the role of fit testing.

What is a Section D?

Once the medical is complete, the assessing doctor completes a summary report known as the “Section D”. The Section D is the only part of the medical the employer receives unless the worker signs an Authority to Release form. The confidentiality of the underlying medical information is protected by law and the full results are submitted to Coal Services. Let KINNECT know at the time of engagement if you require all sections of the Order 43 medical.

When should an Order 43 be completed?

Pre-placement before starting work in a NSW coal operation, then every three years as a periodic assessment, and on exit from the industry.

What is Coal Mine Workers’ Pneumoconiosis?

Pneumoconiosis is a group of lung diseases caused by inhaling organic or inorganic dusts over time. Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a chronic occupational lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust. It inflames the alveoli — the tiny sacs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide — and can progress to irreversible lung damage. The most severe form, progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), is debilitating and often fatal, which is why early detection through Order 43 surveillance matters.

What is a respirator fit test?

A respirator fit test confirms that a respirator properly seals to the worker’s face. It is a mandatory component of an Order 43 Medical and is performed to AS/NZS 1715:2009. KINNECK conducts the test quantitatively — measuring leakage around the face seal and reporting a numerical fit factor that indicates whether the chosen respirator gives the worker adequate protection.

Did Order 43 replace Order 41?

Yes. Order 43 replaced Order 41 on 1 July 2018, building on the existing health assessment framework to better protect coal mine worker health.
Related services

Other pre-employment medicals.

Often booked alongside Order 43 by NSW employers and contractors working across coal, resources and rail.

View all pre-employment medicals
Your Order 43 is in safe hands

Book your NSW Order 43 medicals with KINNECT.

Talk to our team for a tailored quote, scheduling for pre-placement, periodic and exit medicals, and a clinic close to your workers.

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Or call 1300 546 632
NSW Order 43 Coal Mine Workers Medicals | KINNECT