Posts by Christine Killip
High heat stress risk for Queensland
The Outlook Temperatures in many parts of SEQ are predicted to exceed 35°C by midday on Thursday and remain above average until Saturday. But temperature is not the whole story when assessing the risk of heat stress. Although the temperatures are probably going to be hotter on Thursday, the risk of heat stress is higher…
Read MoreOne for the statisticians
Temperatures may be predicted to peak over the long weekend in some parts of Australia, but if you believe in numbers, statistically the most lethal day is 27 January. This was the finding of a recent study (Coates et al 2014) that analysed 167 years of extreme heat events. Whether it’s because we are dehydrated from Australia Day parties…
Read More‘Managing summer heat’ road trip
I think I have finally recovered from my mega road trip which covered over 7,500 km of travel, starting in Adelaide on August 24 and ending in Brisbane last week. Why you may well ask? Well, for over 10 years we have been working with the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) and Meat and Livestock…
Read MoreCelebrating 25 years of Katestone
Katestone has been in business for 25 years – a major milestone! You may be wondering, “Is Christine really that old?(!) or was she really young when she started the business?” Truth is, I was tackling my HSC at high school when Katestone’s founders, Dr Peter Best and Karen Lunney, saw an opportunity in air…
Read MoreI’ve got a good feeling about 2014!
I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that the last 12-18 months have been very tough in the environmental consulting world. Big projects have dried up and the ones that are around are slashing costs and extending timelines. We haven’t been unaffected and have had to make some changes to our growth plans, but…
Read MoreThe forecaster who cried wolf?
We are constantly reminded in summer that heat stress is an issue. Drink more fluids, keep out of the sun where possible and take a break when needed. But is the message really getting through? Are current warnings reliable for workers or is it a case of “crying wolf”? Is Heat Stress Costing you? WorkCover…
Read MoreWhere’s that Cyclone going?
Katestone’s forecasting system K-NWS did a great job forecasting Tropical Cyclone Dylan recently. K-NWS accurately predicted its path, intensity and timing three days in advance, as shown in the animation below. The significant rain associated with most cyclones, and the tropical lows that follow, can actually cause more concern to industry (such as open cut…
Read MoreIndependent statistical review backs Katestone report
Simon Welchman responded to the release of EPA’s independent analysis of Katestone’s study of particulate emissions from coal trains. Katestone conducted a monitoring study for ARTC that began in late 2012 and was completed by May 2013 with the submission of the final monitoring report to the EPA. The study was commissioned in response to…
Read MoreIt’s official – 2013 was the hottest year on record
Last week the Bureau of Meteorology released their 2013 climate summary. It was no surprise that Australia experienced its warmest year since 1910, when records began. Globally 2013 was the sixth-warmest year on record. The annual global mean temperature has not been below average since 1985. Continuous periods of hotter than average days signified the year, even…
Read MoreKatestone talks about managing heat stress to Gladstone Industry Group
Our Managing Director Christine Killip was recently invited to present on occupational heat stress at the Gladstone Industry Area Network (GAIN) meeting at QAL. Christine discussed management of occupational heat stress at industrial facilities and gave participants a sneak peek at our new weather intelligence technology. Aimed at helping industry to better manage heat stress, Katestone’s…
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