Historical information

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 had its first intake of students in 1979. At that time the Institution was known as the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. In 1990 it became known as Ballarat University College, then in 1994 as University of Ballarat. It was 2014 that it became 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.

In 1984 the Health and Safety Unit conducted its first "short course". This was a three month course in industrial safety. The first group was for Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AIDAB) Factory Inspectors. The group was made up of twelve chief inspectors and deputy inspectors from India and one inspector from Fiji. AIDAB provided the funding for those who participated - course, accommodation and fares. It continues to provide this support within the Asia-Pacific Region today.

Photograph is of the welcoming luncheon for the visiting engineers, from the left. Bishwa Manujendra from Figi, V.S. Sasikumar and S Majumbar from India, BCAE president Ian Gordon, Dennis Else, course consultant from the U.K., M Deshbratar and M Prasad from India and Norma Buckman, regional director of the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau (AIDAB) which is funding the course.

Physical description

Black and white photograph