A health assessment under Order 45 is a comprehensive medical evaluation of a coal mine worker’s health status to determine fitness for work and to monitor for conditions linked to coal mining exposures.

It is required for all NSW coal mine workers and must be completed by an approved medical practitioner.

A “coal mine worker” includes any person working at a coal mine or coal handling/processing plant with potential exposure to dust, occupational noise or chemical hazards.

Under the updated Order 45 requirements:

• Pre-placement Health Assessment – Before commencing work in a coal mine role or transferring to a new role.
• Periodic Health Assessment – Every three (3) years to monitor ongoing health against job risk and exposure history.
• Health Assessment Reviews – Additional reviews may be required where medical findings indicate the need for further investigation or follow-up.
• Exit/Retirement Health Assessment – For workers retiring or ceasing coal industry work, to ensure any health conditions are identified and appropriately managed.

Once the medical has been completed by an approved medical doctor, the assessing doctor completes a summary report, or “Section D”. The Section D is the only information an employer receives, unless an Authority to Release form is signed by the worker. The confidentiality of the information contained within the medical record is protected by law. The full medical results are then submitted to Coal Services. Should you require all sections of an Order 45 medical, please inform KINNECT at the time of engagement.

Pneumoconiosis is a series of diseases caused by the inhalation of organic or inorganic dusts or chemical irritants. Typically the disease occurs from exposure over a prolonged period of time. The type and severity of the disease depends on the composition of the dust.

Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a chronic occupational coal mine dust lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of coal dust. CWP causes inflammation of the alveoli. Alveoli are tiny sacs within our lungs that allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between the lungs and bloodstream. Inflammation of the alveoli will eventually result in irreversible damage to the lungs. CWP ranges in severity from simple to advanced; the most severe form is progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Advanced CWP is debilitating and often fatal.

A respirator fit test ensures that a respirator properly fits the face of a worker.

Respirator fit testing is an optional component of an Order 45 Medical.

Testing is conducted in accordance to Australian Standards AS/NZ 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

There are two types of respirator fit testing, qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative is the required method used for Order 43 Medicals. It involves measuring the leakage around the face seal of the respirator and providing a numerical value called a fit factor. This fit factor provides an indication as to whether the chosen respirator provides adequate protection for the individual.