Episode Details

Tunnel workers across Australia are facing deadly silica dust exposure on major projects like Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, with air samples revealing breaches up to eleven times the legal limit—dozens of times over. Occupational hygienist Kate Cole fought years to get the data released, overcoming resistance from contractors and government, ultimately winning through legal action to expose over 1600 pages of damning evidence. The health toll is severe: silicosis, lung cancer, kidney disease—all preventable with proper safety, but compromised by poor mask fit and inadequate ventilation assessments. With incomplete data and visual-only checks, the industry’s safety gaps remain glaring. These workers are building our future—but their health shouldn’t be sacrificed.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/e948ff0f0ff0b57d