Coal mining is a key part of the New South Wales economy, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing billions to the state. With such a large workforce, protecting coal mine workers' health is essential for their safety and the industry's success. Order 43 helps monitor workers' health, detecting early signs of work-related conditions.
Since 2006, 4cRisk has been delivering pre-employment medical assessments for coal mine workers across Australia, helping high-risk companies maintain and promote a healthy, safe workforce. In this blog, we outline the key requirements of Order 43 and its role in supporting a safer, more productive mining environment.
Key takeaways
- Coal mining is a key part of the New South Wales economy, providing thousands of jobs and contributing billions annually.
- Order 43 is a health and safety regulation that requires regular health assessments for coal mine workers to identify conditions like respiratory diseases and hearing loss early.
- Employers must arrange and fund health assessments and keep accurate medical records for compliance.
- Workers must participate in health assessments and report any symptoms related to workplace exposure.
- 4cRisk is fully approved as an Appointed Medical Advisor for Order 43, offering health assessments that comply with the coal industry’s regulatory standards.
Coal mining's contribution to the New South Wales economy and workforce
The coal mining industry significantly contributes to the NSW economy, supporting 40,000 direct mining jobs across Sydney and regional mining communities. This figure does not include the thousands employed in mining-related industries that depend on the sector. According to NSW Mining, the industry contributes approximately $22 billion annually to the state’s economy, providing significant financial support to businesses, households, and public services.
With such a large workforce and significant economic impact, protecting the health and safety of coal mine workers is not just a workplace requirement—it’s an economic necessity. The stability of the New South Wales coal industry relies on its workers remaining fit, healthy, and able to perform their roles safely. This is why health schemes such as Order 43 exist—to protect and monitor the health and well-being of coal mine workers.
What is Order 43?
Order 43, previously known as Order 41 until 2018, was established under the NSW Coal Industry Act 2001. It provides a framework for health assessment and monitoring for coal industry workers. The order outlines the requirements for medical examinations, health surveillance, and risk management to address potential health risks in the work environment. It helps guide employers in meeting regulatory health and safety obligations while facilitating proper monitoring and care for workers.
Order 43 incorporates:
- Statutory requirements for monitoring for hazardous substances;
- Statutory requirements for monitoring for health effects from noise exposure;
- Attention to priority health issues;
- General Health and well-being components;
- Identification of health issues is important in a safety-critical workplace.
Why is Order 43 important?
Order 43 plays a key role in maintaining the health and safety of coal mine workers. It establishes important health standards that allow for early detection and prevention of potential issues while also supporting regulatory compliance and the overall well-being of workers.
- Early detection of health issues: Identifies conditions like respiratory diseases from coal dust and hearing loss before they progress.
- Workplace safety compliance: Confirms workers meet the health standards necessary for safe operation in mining environments.
- Prevention of occupational diseases: Protects workers from long-term conditions such as Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and other lung diseases.
- Legal and employer obligations: Employers must conduct regular health assessments and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Employee well-being: Helps workers assess their health and take steps to maintain fitness for their roles.
Legal and regulatory framework
The NSW Resources Regulator is the governing body responsible for enforcing Order 43 and ensuring compliance within the coal mining industry. It also plays an important role in overseeing the industry's health and safety standards and ensuring that both employers and workers adhere to the necessary regulations.
The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022 establishes the legal requirements for health surveillance within New South Wales coal mines. This regulation helps maintain a safe working environment and safeguards workers from occupational health risks.
Employer responsibilities:
- Arrange and fund health assessments for workers.
- Ensure medical records are properly maintained and submitted to the Coal Services Health Surveillance Scheme.
Worker responsibilities:
- Participate in scheduled health assessments.
- Report any symptoms or health concerns related to workplace exposure.
Health assessments must be conducted by an Approved Medical Practitioner (AMP) registered under Order 43. As an AMP, 4cRisk is fully qualified to carry out health assessments for coal mine workers, ensuring full compliance with industry standards.
What is involved in an Order 43 medical assessment?
Order 43 health assessments are designed to monitor the health of coal mine workers, focusing on early detection of work-related health issues. The process includes several key components to ensure workers' well-being and fitness for their roles, such as:
Medical and occupational history
Records past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family history of medical conditions.
Physical examination
General health check-up, including vital signs, weight, height, and vision assessment.
Lung function test (Spirometry)
Measures lung capacity and function to detect early signs of respiratory diseases caused by dust exposure.
Chest x-ray (ILO standard reporting)
Screens for pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) and other occupational lung diseases.
Hearing test (Audiometry)
Detects early signs of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud mining environments.
Cardiovascular and fitness assessment
Evaluates overall physical fitness to ensure workers can safely perform physically demanding tasks.
Drug and alcohol screening
It is not mandatory under Order 43 but may be included based on employer policies.
How often are Order 43 health assessments required?
Order 43 health assessments are required at various stages throughout a NSW coal mine worker's career. All new workers must complete a pre-placement medical assessment to confirm their fitness for duties. Periodic medical assessments are required at least every three years for ongoing workers, with more frequent tests for those in high-risk roles.
If a worker changes employers or job roles, a new medical assessment may be necessary to ensure they are fit for the new position. Workers leaving the industry may also undergo an exit medical assessment to identify any long-term health impacts.
Regular health checks for a safer, more productive workforce
Order 43 is more than just a compliance regulation; it's about creating a healthier workplace across NSW mining sites. Regular health monitoring under this order significantly benefits mining employers by reducing workplace accidents and health-related absences.
Early detection of conditions like respiratory diseases, hearing loss, and cardiovascular issues helps workers remain fit for their roles, reducing the risk of incidents that could disrupt coal operations. By addressing health concerns early, employers contribute to a safer, more efficient work environment.
Protect coal mine workers' health with 4cRisk's Accredited Medical Practitioners
Stay compliant with Order 43 and protect your team’s health with 4cRisk. Our accredited medical practitioners use the latest tools to conduct thorough assessments, meeting all coal industry health requirements.
