COAL WORKERS' HEALTH SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM
Coal Workers’ X-ray Surveillance Program
Coal miners or contractors working for either underground or surface mines can receive a free chest x-ray, lung function test (spirometry), symptom assessment, and a health assessment questionnaire from NIOSH. The following should be implemented by mining companies:
- Voluntary examinations must be provided at least every 5 years with a 6-month window if the miner was employed at a coal mine on or before August 1, 2014.
- Mandatory examinations must be provided for each miner who begins work as a coal miner or contractor for the first time (e.g, a miner who is new to the coal mining industry) in these instances:
- Pre-employment screening or within 30 days of starting employment
- Within 3 years after initial examinations
If a chest x-ray shows evidence of pneumoconiosis or the spirometry results indicate decreased lung function based results from the follow-up exam, another follow-up exam must be provided within 2 years if the related miner is still engaged in coal mining.
All facilities that perform the periodic chest x-rays required for the CWHSP must be approved by NIOSH. Current NIOSH-approved facilities are not required to submit a new application and should continue to submit x-rays and supporting documents in their usual manner.
Facilities applying for approval to provide chest x-rays to the CWHSP (underground and surface coal miners) should consult the regulations outlined in 42CFR Part 37 Specifications of Medical Examinations of Underground Coal MinersExternalExternal