Workers across the Northern Rivers are being encouraged to book free lung health checks as the icare Lung Bus visits the region for the first time in 2026.
The mobile screening clinic is operating in Tweed Heads until 5 June, offering screenings aimed at detecting dust related illnesses linked to workplace exposure. Appointments are available at the HACC Centre on the corner of Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive.
The visit comes as the NSW Government continues efforts to improve monitoring and safety standards for workers exposed to crystalline silica dust, which has been linked to serious respiratory diseases including silicosis.
Local businesses are also being urged to register with the SafeWork Silica Worker Register, an online system designed to track workers involved in processing high risk crystalline silica substances. Under workplace health and safety rules, businesses with workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica are required to provide access to health monitoring.
At present, 14 Northern Rivers businesses are registered on the system, with authorities encouraging wider participation across the region.
The Lung Bus forms part of a broader workplace health strategy introduced by the Minns Government in response to ongoing concerns around silica exposure in industries such as construction, tunnelling and manufacturing.
Measures introduced in recent years include the ban on engineered stone products containing one per cent or more crystalline silica, the creation of a dedicated silica compliance team within SafeWork NSW and the establishment of a tunnelling dust safety taskforce.
The government has also allocated funding to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute to support research and assistance for workers and families affected by silica related illness.
Minister for Workplace Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the mobile clinic was designed to improve access to screening services, particularly in regional communities.
“The Lung Bus is about bringing essential services directly to the communities that need them most,” Ms Cotsis said.
“The Lung Bus tour removes barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to screenings that could save their life.”
She said the Northern Rivers visit also served as a reminder to businesses about their responsibilities to workers exposed to hazardous dust.
“Annual screening of your workforce who are exposed to hazardous dusts like Crystalline Respirable Silica is critical to early detection of diseases and support for workers and their health,” she said.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin described the program as a practical way to encourage early detection.
“The Lung Bus is an excellent initiative that helps save lives through early detection of dust-related diseases,” Ms Saffin said.
“I encourage workers in the Tweed area to visit the Lung Bus when it comes to town. It’s an easy way to check for any risks and get peace of mind if you work in an industry where you might be exposed to dust.”
Workers and employers can book screenings through the icare Lung Screening Service website or by calling 1800 550 027.
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