− − providing interpreters for workers where English is not their first language , and reminding them that their workplace , family and community want them to be as safe and healthy as possible .
Conversations with workers about their individual health monitoring should be held privately to maintain confidentiality .
A PCBU must also consult with their HSRs about health monitoring . They may also assist in this process and encourage workers to participate in health monitoring .
Providing a health monitoring program
When providing health monitoring , a PCBU must :
− give information to workers prior to the commencement of work and to prospective workers about health monitoring requirements o ensuring that this information is understandable by the worker , for example , consider literacy needs and cultural or linguistically diverse backgrounds − ensure health monitoring is carried out by or under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring − consult workers about the selection of the registered medical practitioner − pay all expenses relating to health monitoring including time to attend appointments , tests and appointment fees − provide information about a worker to the registered medical practitioner as specified in the WHS Regulation − take all reasonable steps to obtain a report from the registered medical practitioner as soon as practicable after health monitoring has been carried out − provide a copy of the report to the worker and to all other PCBUs who have a duty to provide health monitoring for that worker , for example , where labour hire is used − provide the WHS regulator with a copy of the report if it contains adverse test results or recommendations that remedial measures should be taken − keep reports as confidential records for at least 30 years after the record is made , and − not disclose the report to anyone without the worker ’ s written consent unless required or permitted by law , for example , WHS laws .
Requirements for health monitoring
Under WHS laws , the minimum requirements for health monitoring for crystalline silica through exposure to silica dust are :
− collection of demographic , medical and occupational history − records of personal exposure − standardised respiratory questionnaire − standardised respiratory function tests , for example , FEV 1 ( forced expiratory volume in one second ), FVC ( forced vital capacity ) and FEV1 / FVC ( respiratory ratio , or Tiffeneau index ), and
− chest X-Ray full posterior-anterior ( PA ) view .
All full-size PA chest X-rays should be taken in a specialist radiology practice or hospital department . The X-rays should be read by a radiologist who meets the reporting requirements and competencies of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists or is qualified as a ‘ B reader ’. A B reader is a radiologist who has undertaken specialised training to detect dust lung diseases such as silicosis , coal workers pneumoconiosis , mixed dust pneumoconiosis and progressive massive fibrosis ( PMF ).
High-resolution computed tomography ( HRCT ) is more sensitive and effective than X-rays in the early detection of silicosis . A low dose HRCT scan of the chest ( non-contrast ) may be
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