Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. VIOSH Australia enrolled its first PhD candidate in 1995 and during 1996 focused on attracting increasing numbers of students. In 1996, three candidates were enrolled through VIOSH Australia.They were John Culvenor, Geoffrey Dell and Thomas Mitchell. All had Prof Dennis Else as their supervisor. Previously, Geoffrey Dell was in Intake 7, 1985, Occupational Hazard Management. Geoffrey Dell's topic was "Airline Baggage Handler Back Injuries - Causes and Prevention." "The aim of this study is to investigate the work practises and operational systems used by baggage handlers in a range of airlines, worldwide. Where possible the investigation will include an epidemiological study of baggage handler back injury occurrence in those airlines. The information gathered will provide an understanding of back injury causation modes, and will focus attention on the specific tasks for which engineering solutions should be sought. Engineering solutions identified will be subject to controlled trial, to confirm their validity." This led to the construction of a full scale plywood baggage compartment model and a partnership with Ballarat University's School of Human Movement and Sports Science. Three different loading systems were tested. Qantas baggage handlers travelled to Ballarat University to fill the human frame of the investigation. The photographs show this aspect of the research. In 1997, Geoffrey Dell was awarded the Eric Wigglesworth Prize. The prize acknowledges publication of an article which constitutes a significant contribution to the body of occupational health and safety knowledge in an approved OH&S journal.32 co;our photographs showing procedure of baggage handlers.viosh, victorian institute of occupational safety and health, geoffrey dell, john culvenor, thomas mitchell, phd, airline baggage handler back injuries, work practises, operational systems, engineering solutions, causes of injury, qantas baggage handlers, prof dennis else, eric wiggles worth prize, oh&s journal, ballarate university, school of human movement and sports science, plywood compartment model, loading systems

Victorian Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (VIOSH) Australia is the Asia-Pacific centre for teaching and research in occupational health and safety (OHS) and is known as one of Australia's leaders on the field. VIOSH has a global reputation for its innovative approach within the field of OHS management. Federation University VIOSH Australia students are safety managers, senior advisors and experienced OHS professionals. They come from all over Australia and industry. Students are taught active research and enquiry; rather than textbook learning and a one-size fits all approach. VIOSH accepts people into the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hazard Management who have no undergraduate degree - on the basis of extensive work experience and knowledge. Lecturers were from the university staff and visiting staff from industry and consulting groups. Black and white photographs showing VIOSH personnel. viosh, victorian institute of safety and health, australia, asia-pacific, teaching and research, university of ballarat, federation university, derek woolley, dennis else, prof p compes, prof r vernon