In 2016, following the re-identification of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis in Queensland, Monash University and the University of Illinois at Chicago were commissioned to review the respiratory component of the Coal Mine Workers’ Health Scheme (Monash review). Among other recommendations, the review called for:

Chest X-ray images to be read by radiologists who have demonstrated proficiency in classifying images for pneumoconiosis; and

The use of a protocol involving at least two independent classifications to confirm agreement about the presence or absence of radiological features of pneumoconiosis.

These recommendations were implemented through amendments to the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017 (CMSHR). The CMSHR requires all coal mine workers to have a chest X-ray as part of their health assessments. These X-ray images must be dual read to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) classification by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certified B-readers approved by RSHQ. This means at least two B-readers are required to examine each image before the final ILO report is produced. While any RSHQ approved B-reader can conduct the first read, the second and subsequent reads can only be carried out by the provider appointed by RSHQ.

Suppliers are invited by the Customer to submit an offer for ITO No. RSH.2024.056 for the provision of Chest X-ray dual reading services as specified in Part B: Contract Details document.

The scope of the potential Contract will cover the following components (see Part B – Contract Details, in particular Schedule 1 Requirements and Schedule 4 – Contract Governance