Appointed Medical Advisor Services

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Your Questions Answered

We’ve put together the answers to some common questions about our

Appointed Medical Advisor Services

.

What is an Appointed Medical Advisor?
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An Appointed Medical Advisor (AMA) is a medical professional whose role is to supervise and report on the health assessment of coal mine workers. Appointing an AMA is a requirement to comply with RSHQ legislation.

Do I need an Appointed Medical Advisor if I have an Examining Medical Officer?
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Yes. While an Appointed Medical Advisor (AMA) may also act as an Examining Medical Officer (EMO), allowing them to also complete Section 3 of the coal mine medical assessment, only an AMA is able to issue a Section 4 certificate; it cannot be completed by an EMO.

Do workers require respiratory health surveillance before changing sites?
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The industry requirement for respiratory health surveillance is prior to employment and at least every 5 years afterwards. As long as the worker holds a current certificate, this is sufficient. However, the new site’s senior executive may require additional medical assessments outside of respiratory health surveillance to ensure that the worker is fit to perform their role.

What is the role of an Appointed Medical Advisor (AMA) in the Queensland Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme?
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An Appointed Medical Advisor (AMA) plays a crucial role in the prevention and early detection of work-related illnesses among coal mine workers. Their primary responsibilities include overseeing regular medical assessments, reviewing individual components like audiometry and spirometry, assessing chest X-rays, and issuing Section 4 certificates. The AMA's goal is to ensure the health and safety of workers in compliance with the Queensland Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme administered by Resource Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).

What is involved in a Coal Medical and MMQ Medical assessment?
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Coal Medicals and MMQ Medicals are e health assessments required for workers in Queensland’s coal and mineral mining industries. These assessments are designed to monitor and safeguard the health of mine workers against occupational hazards generally, as well as specifically targeting dust exposure. They include detailed medical history reviews, physical examinations, lung function tests (spirometry), chest X-rays, and other relevant tests based on the specific requirements of each industry.

How does 4cRisk ensure the quality and accuracy of medical assessments?
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At 4cRisk, we emphasise the accuracy and thoroughness of every medical assessment. Our team of experienced Occupational Physicians and Registrars uses the latest medical technologies and follows strict protocols to ensure that every assessment is conducted with the highest level of precision and care. This approach ensures that all health risks are accurately identified and managed effectively.

What qualifications and expertise do 4cRisk AMAs possess?
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Our AMAs at 4cRisk are highly qualified medical professionals with specialised training in occupational health. They possess extensive knowledge of the mining industry’s working conditions and health risks. Our team includes Fellows of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in occupational health. We have partnered with expert NIOSH B-Read qualified Radiologists and Respiratory Physicians with a special interest in dust disease to provide quick and effective consultations where dust disease may be indicated.

How is an Examining Medical Officer (EMO) different from an AMA?
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An Examining Medical Officer (EMO) is responsible for conducting the initial stages of the health assessment, which includes gathering medical history and performing physical examinations. The EMO's role is to provide detailed findings for the AMA's review. In contrast, an AMA oversees the entire health assessment process, reviews the findings from the EMO, and issues the final medical certification (Section 4) based on a comprehensive evaluation of the worker's health status.

What measures does 4cRisk take to stay updated with industry regulations and health standards?
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4cRisk is committed to staying at the forefront of industry regulations and health standards. We regularly update our practices in line with the latest guidelines from RSHQ and other regulatory bodies. Our team participates in ongoing training and professional development to ensure our services meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Can 4cRisk provide tailored health management plans for organisations?
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Absolutely. 4cRisk specialises in creating bespoke health management plans tailored to the specific needs of each organisation. We consider various factors such as the nature of the work, workplace environment, and specific health risks associated with each industry to develop comprehensive and effective health management strategies.

Not found the answer you need? Contact 4cRisk and our experienced team will be happy to help

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If you’d like to find out more about how our occupational health services can help to keep your workforce safe, book an appointment or request a quote below.

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