Respiratory diseases
Some jobs expose you to dust, fibres, fumes or other substances that affect your lungs and breathing. Sometimes, this may cause you to develop a respiratory disease. We’re here to help.
Support for when life gets tough
When life gets hard – whether with financial stress, health concerns or personal struggles – there’s help and support available.
What you should do now
- See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough, wheeze, chest tightness or shortness of breath. If your doctor thinks your symptoms are work-related, they’ll give you a work capacity certificate.
- Tell your employer about your symptoms and any exposure at work (for example to dust, fibres, fumes or chemicals).
- Keep records of your symptoms, medical visits and what you were exposed to at work.
- Start a workers’ compensation claim if your doctor thinks your condition may be work-related. Find out how to make a claim.
When you may be covered
You may be able to claim workers’ compensation if your respiratory disease was caused by your work or made worse by it.
Find out how to make a claim.
What you may be covered for
If your claim is accepted, you may be covered for:
- lost wages
- medical, surgical and hospital costs
- chest screening X-rays or scans
- rehabilitation treatment and equipment
- travel costs for tests, scans or rehabilitations appointments
- lump sum payments for permanent impairment
- additional lump sum payments for workers suffering from pneumoconiosis
- lump sum payments for terminal respiratory diseases
- support to return to work.
The type and amount of compensation depends on what you were exposed to, how long you were exposed and your medical evidence.
If you think your employer was at fault
If you think your employer’s actions (or lack of action) contributed to your respiratory disease, you may be able to seek additional compensation through the common law claims process.
Learn more about common law claims.
About work-related respiratory diseases
These conditions affect your lungs and how well you can breathe.
Being exposed to dust, fibres, fumes or other substances at work can put you at risk. Some respiratory diseases can take a long time to develop.
Common conditions linked to work
- Asbestos-related conditions
- Silicosis
- Viral respiratory illness or infection
- Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
- Mine Dust Lung Disease (MDLD)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic bronchitis
- Occupational asthma
The conditions listed here are the most common, but there are others as well.
Find out more from Cancer Council Queensland and the Lung Foundation Australia.
Where to get more help
- Your GP or treating doctor – for diagnosis and medical advice
- Your employer – to report symptoms and exposure
- Cancer Council Queensland – for guidance about staying safe at work
- Lung Foundation Australia – for support and resources
- Mine Dust Health Support Service – guidance for current and former mine and quarry workers
- Queensland Health – for public health guidance
Find out how to make a claim.
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