Australia may be famous for beaches, wildlife and wide-open spaces, but it is also home to a vibrant and evolving occupational hygiene profession. This presentation offers an insider's view of occupational hygiene in Australia today—covering major industries, current health risks, regulatory developments, workforce challenges, and emerging trends.

From silica and diesel emissions to psychosocial hazards and climate-driven heat stress, we'll examine the issues shaping practice across the country. The session will also provide an update on the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH), our strategic priorities, and how we are working to advance worker health both nationally and internationally.

Speaker Biography

Dr Kelly Johnstone is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland (UQ). She is the Program Director for the Master of Occupational Hygiene at UQ. Kelly is an AIOH Fellow and Certified Occupational Hygienist and is the current AIOH President. She has over 25 years of experience in OHS and occupational hygiene in industries such as construction, transport, manufacturing, and oil and gas. She has worked as a consultant and is currently an academic, teaching and undertaking research in chemical and physical hazards.