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'Lucky I'm not an animal, they would have put me down': black lung sufferers front inquiry

Friday, 25 Nov 2016 11:41:25

Miners suffering from black lung disease have told a Queensland inquiry how their health has declined, while hearing the State Government was alerted to concerns about black lung several years ago.

Representatives from the Mines Inspectorate this morning gave evidence to a parliamentary committee investigating the re-emergence of black lung.

An occupational hygienist told the hearing in Mackay that in 2013 he advised the then health minister of his concerns.

He said his concerns were confirmed when a change to mining methods the following year led to a significant increase in reports of dust limits being exceeded.

The hearing was told unannounced visits make up just 5 per cent of all visits to coal mines, and mines are not required to report dust levels, even when standards are exceeded.

But that information will have to be provided to the department under amendments to mining regulations, which take effect next year.

The hearing was also told data showed 554 reported dust breaches in Queensland coal mines in the past 15 years.

Miner urges coal levy for victims' fund

There are now 17 confirmed cases of black lung in Queensland, the committee heard.

Several Queensland miners suffering from the disease gave evidence to the committee today.

One of them, Chris Byron, gave a blunt assessment of his condition: "Lucky I'm not an animal, they would have put me down."

Dave Walker said surgeons had told him his lungs were so black, they should be put in a jar to show students what black lung is.

Another miner said:

"I've been totally let down by the system. Every time I get pneumonia I wonder if this time it's going to kill me.

The wife of another miner suggested there had been a cover-up, or else the doctors were too "ignorant" to diagnose black lung.

Steve Mellor, at 39 one of the youngest miners in Queensland with the disease, said he was never warned about the dangers of dust during training for jobs in the industry

He has called for a 10 cent levy on every tonne of coal produced in the state to create a victims support fund.



 

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