How often must a health assessment be conducted for a coal mine employee?

The requirement for a health assessment for a coal mine employee in Queensland is based on the need to ensure ongoing health and safety in a potentially hazardous work environment. Conducting a health assessment once before starting work establishes a baseline of the employee's health status, enabling the identification of any pre-existing conditions that may be exacerbated by the mining environment.

After this initial assessment, conducting follow-up assessments every five years is crucial to monitor any changes in the employee's health that may arise due to exposure to workplace hazards. This period allows for enough time to observe long-term health effects while maintaining regular oversight. By spacing assessments appropriately, it ensures that the health surveillance remains relevant to the risks associated with coal mining and aligns with the regulatory framework established to protect worker health.

This structured approach integrates preventive health measures, ensuring that employees are not only assessed at the beginning of their employment but also that their health is continually monitored in relation to workplace conditions over time.