But despite the collaborative efforts of industry, Coal Services, government departments and an unwavering commitment to improve safe work practices and employ effective preventative controls, there was no room for complacency in NSW, Flemming warned.

“The re-emergence of this horrible disease is frightening for workers and their families,” she said.

“Black lung disease generally takes a long time to appear – in most cases 20 to 30 years – so it is possible that some cases of black lung could still emerge from those working in the industry before dust mitigation and health surveillance was enforced.

“We encourage any worker, current or retired, who has concerns about their health to contact their nearest Coal Services office. Even after leaving the industry, workers are entitled to attend for health assessments at CS Health where they may be referred for a chest x-ray.”

The re-emergence of black lung disease in Queensland has heightened the call for further rigour at a national level regarding prevention and control strategies.

“As an industry we must continue to be vigilant. We must ensure that protecting our workers from occupational illness and disease is at the core of all decision-making, policy and actions,” Flemming said.

“The robust nature of the legislation and diligence of the dust monitoring and environmental standards in NSW coal mines has allowed us to help protect mine workers’ health and keep occupational diseases such as black lung disease at bay.”