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Local Mining: Coal

Medical Restrictions

Medicals - why do I have restrictions?

Nobody can be classed as “fit for everything” – they can only be assessed and “fit for the “proposed/current” job. If this changes, further evaluation is necessary.

Here are several examples:

	If vision without glasses/contacts - for near or distance - is outside acceptable limits, the medical will be endorsed “glasses are needed for near/far/both”. It may include a `rider’ that vision is such that an Optometrist assessment is necessary before the person can be endorsed to drive at night - on the mine site, to & from work etc.

	Everyone on a mine site needs some degree of colour vision. If the person is colour deficient it will need to be tested on site - for recognition of warning signs and coloured warning labels on gas bottles, pipes, tags etc., that are colour coded and essential for safety. Thus the Form 4 will state, “Needs further on-site assessment for jobs requiring accurate colour discrimination”.

	“Strict attention to hearing protection protocols” – there is some hearing impairment and employee must use hearing protection at all times. A repeat audiogram will be necessary when indicated. Hearing aids may be necessary – they must be “smart” ones (digital) - to amplify levels needed for safety, yet “cut-out” at sound levels that may cause further damage to hearing: they are expensive!

	If their blood pressure is too high (after ten minutes rest) they will need to provide a report from their own doctor at a given time interval. Satisfactory re-assessment is a faxed letter from their doctor giving current levels of blood pressure that are satisfactory - with treatment, if necessary.

	Employees over 45 years, especially smokers or diabetics, especially with high blood pressure and a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, must have an ECG – an electrical test of the heart.

	If their spirometry (breathing test) is less than 70% of normal they automatically fail to reach the safety standard to go on a mine site – will have: - "breathing outside standard required for a mine site”. Their breathing may prevent them escaping from an area of danger – particularly underground (walk-out). NOTE: we do not try Ventolin to improve this test, unless the firm is willing to pay for treatment and further testing - if it is needed it they should attend their own doctor. We treat, if necessary, but this is needless increased cost to the firm.

	Muscles and bones and joints – If there are any abnormalities in any joint (e.g. knees), in strength, or if there is a previous untreated injury, then weight lifting restrictions will be placed on them, or they may need to have an FCE (Functional Capacity evaluation) by an Occupational Therapist before a risk analysis can be given for a work start.

	Those with whose weight is over 120 kilos will have “unfit to use equipment with less than 120 kilo weight limit” etc - most mine equipment is rated 120k - 130k; some machines (heavy bulldozers etc) have higher weight restrictions that may be up to 150 kilos. Most ladders are rated at 120k maximum. Underground miners have 7 kilos extra added for necessary equipment.

	Any person with a very large “body volume” (BMI) will be marked “a risk assessment is necessary for areas of limited access or egress” - confined spaces where rapid exit may be required in an emergency (the latter also applies to those with low general fitness).

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