Media & Speaking
Translating the science of worker health into the public conversation.
Kate Cole OAM is one of Australia's most sought-after voices on occupational health. A certified occupational hygienist and Churchill Fellow, she has been a regular commentator for the ABC, Channel Ten, the Sydney Morning Herald, and leading science podcasts. She makes complex workplace health issues clear, urgent, and actionable for general audiences.
Keynote Speaking
Engage Kate for your next event.
Kate brings scientific rigour and real-world experience to every stage. She speaks to industry conferences, safety summits, government forums, and university audiences, making the science of worker health compelling for any room.
Topic 01
Silica, Silicosis & the Dust We Can't See
A deep dive into Australia's silicosis crisis: how we got here, who is at risk, what the science tells us, and what we must do next.
Topic 02
Occupational Hygiene: The Missing Piece in Workplace Safety
Why health hazards are routinely overlooked in safety programs, what occupational hygiene actually is, and how organisations can build it into their risk management approach before workers get sick.
Topic 03
Practical Silica Safety: Controls, Compliance and the Crystalline Silica Regulations
The crystalline silica regulations are in force, but many workplaces still don't know what they require or how to meet them. This talk cuts through the complexity: what the regulations actually demand, the dust controls that are already available and proven to work, and how to build a practical silica safety program that protects worker health.
Topic 04
A History of Worker Health in Australia
The diseases that shaped Australia's occupational health system and the ones we keep repeating. A compelling historical lens on why silicosis is not new, and what history tells us we should do differently this time.
Topic 05
Silicosis in Tunnelling: What the Research Reveals
Tunnelling is one of the least studied and most hazardous work environments for silica dust exposure. Drawing on her PhD research, Kate walks through the challenges of accessing exposure data, what the science tells us about silica dust levels in underground construction, and what modelling of disease burden reveals about silicosis and lung cancer risk in tunnel workers, and what the industry must do with that knowledge.
Topic 06
Women in STEM: Science in Unexpected Places
Kate's path from engineer to occupational hygienist to media commentator is not a typical one. She speaks candidly about navigating male-dominated industries, building credibility, and why diverse scientific voices matter.
Enquire about a keynote or panel appearance.
Kate speaks at industry conferences, safety summits, university events, and government forums across Australia. Get in touch to discuss availability, topics, and format.
Broadcast & Podcast Media
Speaking about silica, silicosis & worker health.
Kate has been a go-to expert commentator for Australia's leading broadcasters and podcasters on silica dust, silicosis, and occupational health. Her appearances span national television to science podcasts reaching millions of listeners.
Broadcast & Podcast Media
Speaking about airborne transmission, ventilation & COVID-19.
During the pandemic Kate became one of Australia's most prominent voices on airborne transmission, mask use, and ventilation — appearing regularly across television and radio to explain the science to general audiences.
Print & Online Press
In the news.
Sydney Morning Herald
One in 10 tunnel workers at risk of silicosis, research finds
Hamish's bosses preached safety. Then he was diagnosed with a deadly disease.
Revealed: the Sydney tunnel projects where deadly dust levels hit 208 times the legal limit
Kate is regularly contacted by the Herald for comment on silica-related disease, regulatory developments, and the construction industry's obligations to worker health.
Safe Work Australia
International best practice in preventing illness and disease in tunnel construction workers
Video resource produced with Safe Work Australia, outlining practical steps to improve work health and safety on tunnelling projects.
SafeWork NSW
Preventing silicosis in demolition and excavation work
Educational video resource on minimising silica dust exposure during drilling and excavation, produced in collaboration with SafeWork NSW.
Media enquiries welcome.
Kate is available for expert comment on silica, silicosis, occupational hygiene, airborne hazard control, and worker health policy. Contact us directly to arrange an interview or background briefing.