PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government has enacted laws to deliver stronger workers’ compensation protectors for Queensland miners affected by black lung and associated dust diseases.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace on Thursday said the protections outlined in the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Bill were a huge step forward for those battling the insidious disease.

“The passing of this Bill today means we can properly support Queensland coal workers and others affected by dust diseases such as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis,” Grace said.

“Coal miners and other workers who may have been exposed to dusty environments, including those who’ve retired or left the industry, will be looked after under the changes.”

She noted that the streamlined and simplified process meant that if workers had any concerns, they could access a medical examination through the workers’ compensation scheme.

“No fault statutory compensation through WorkCover is available, along with common law damages.

“The new laws also mean workers with a pneumoconiosis, including coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, can re-open their statutory claim to receive further lump sum compensation if their condition deteriorates.”

Grace said an additional statutory lump-sum compensation is now also available for workers diagnosed with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis from exposure to coal dust in the workplace.

“Pneumoconiosis is a horrible disease and sufferers can now count on appropriate support to monitor, manage and treat their illness,” she said.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the new protections, with CEO Ian Macfarlane saying the industry was grateful for the state government’s quick response in establishing a stakeholders reference group and addressing compensation arrangements for those affected by the disease.

“QRC recognised workers, who are diagnosed with early stages of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, should be entitled to receive statutory compensation including in circumstances where those workers are not suffering any permanent impairment or incapacity for work,” he added.