AIOH Hall of Fame

*Noel was unable to join us on the evening of the Hall of Fame dinner, his award was accepted on his behalf by Dr Sharann Johnson AM.

*Richard Manuell was unable to get to Melbourne but we were grateful for his son Paul Manuell attending on his behalf, its also to be noted Richard is the AIOH oldest member (retired) at 95 years young. 

Robert Golec embarked on his occupational hygiene journey in March 1982, armed with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry. Joining the Occupational Hygiene unit of the Victorian Health Commission, he found inspiration and mentorship from AIOH founder members like Pam De Silva, Margaret Donnan, Jenny Smith, and Janet Sowden. Engaged in investigating industrial and environmental exposures, conducting biological surveillance, and enforcing legislation, Robert contributed significantly to numerous investigations and developed laboratory methods for chemical and biological monitoring.

His commitment to advancing occupational hygiene led him to join AIOH in 1985, attaining Full Membership in 1988. In 1989, as part of the unit’s transformation from a regulatory entity to a consulting service named AMCOSH Occupational Health Services, Robert continued his impactful journey. Progressing to the role of unit manager and Principal Occupational Hygienist, he played a pivotal role until 2003 when AMCOSH transitioned into a private company. Robert’s extensive involvement includes being a longstanding member of the AIOH Exposure Assessment Committee, representing AIOH on Australian Standards Committees, and contributing to NATA as an Occupational Hygiene Technical Advisor and Technical Assessor for monitoring and analysis. His enduring dedication and contributions to occupational hygiene mark him as a valuable asset to the field.

Dr. Sharan Johnson embarked on her occupational hygiene journey after opting for industrial chemistry over pharmacy. Armed with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Monash University, she commenced her career at BP Australia’s Quality Control team. In the early ’80s, during the formulation of new OHS legislation, Dr. Johnson attended the University of Sydney SPHTM course, a pivotal move that laid the foundation for her role as a corporate occupational hygienist at BP. Her responsibilities spanned diverse sectors globally, contributing significantly to the field’s development and earning her recognition as a stalwart in occupational hygiene.

Her career progressed, she left an indelible mark on the global occupational hygiene landscape. Her tenure at BP Oil headquarters in London allowed her to influence international occupational health policies and engage with industry networks worldwide. Returning to Australia in 1994, she took on the role of HSE Manager for BP’s global Bitumen Business Unit, spearheading transformative projects. Beyond BP, her extensive contributions continued, including roles as GM Sustainable Development at Zinifex and the first corporate Occupational Health Advisor for Newcrest. Sharann’s substantial impact on the occupational hygiene profession is underscored by prestigious awards, such as the Pam de Silva Medal in 2012 and her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022. Actively involved in the AIOH, she served in various capacities, showcasing a career dedicated to empowering workers, advancing the field, and earning accolades from both industry and professional organizations.

Stephen Altree-Williams, an esteemed member of AIOH since 1982, embarked on a prolific career marked by significant contributions to the field of occupational hygiene. His dedication to advancing the understanding of respirable dust, quartz, asbestos, and other occupational hazards is evident in his numerous publications in international refereed journals. Spanning topics from x-ray diffractometry to particle size effects and the crystallinity of quartz, his research has left an enduring impact on the scientific community. His academic journey includes roles as a Senior Lecturer at Deakin University, Geelong, and an OHS Officer at The Australian National University, Canberra, where he continued to shape the discourse on OHS performance through publications such as “The missing element to improved OHS performance” and “Frequency, incidence, observed risk, and outcome performance in OHS.”

Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Stephen shared his wealth of knowledge and expertise through roles as a private consultant, contributing to various business and community clients, and later as a private scholar in OHS. His enduring commitment to OHS continuous improvement is exemplified by his monographs and structured models, reflecting a holistic approach to safety and health risks. Throughout his career, Altree-Williams has made significant contributions to occupational hygiene, leaving an indelible mark on the profession and contributing to the ongoing quest for a safer and healthier workplace.

Warren Smith, an AIOH member since 1982, embarked on a distinguished career in occupational hygiene that left a lasting impact on the field. Beginning as an analytical chemist at Mount Morgan Mines, he transitioned to Mount Isa Mines in 1977, where he delved into occupational health chemistry, particularly focusing on trace metal analysis for the biological monitoring program. In 1979, Warren attended the intensive 13-week occupational hygiene course at the University of Sydney, solidifying his expertise. Certified in the Comprehensive Practice of Industrial Hygiene by ABIH in 1982, he played an active role in AIOH, serving on the Council (1985/86 and 1993/94) and contributing papers and presentations at annual conferences.

Warren’s career trajectory led him to manage the occupational hygiene function at MIM and later serve as the Occupational Health and Safety Manager for the MIM group. Relocating to Canberra in 1987, he became an occupational hygiene adviser with CSIRO and, from 1990 to 1995, assumed the role of Corporate Health and Safety Manager, addressing challenges associated with chemicals, radiation, and fieldwork. His versatility was evident in subsequent roles, including Corporate Manager, Employee Relations (1995-2004), and CSIRO General Manager Human Resources (2005-2014). In the latter role, Warren demonstrated leadership in industrial relations, employment conditions, health and safety, and diversity, overseeing the implementation of a new OHS&E structure and aligning activities with CSIRO’s strategic plan to transform OHS performance. Throughout his career, Warren Smith’s dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the advancement of occupational hygiene practices.

Anthony (Tony) Findlay, a distinguished figure in occupational hygiene, embarked on his career with the Commonwealth Department of Health in 1954. Starting as a Laboratory Assistant Grade 1, he demonstrated remarkable dedication, eventually ascending to the role of Senior Chemist. Tony’s journey was characterized by his tireless efforts to protect workers from chemical and physical agents prevalent in the workplace. Completing a part-time degree in Chemistry at the University of New South Wales during his early years with Commonwealth Health, he rapidly progressed to lead a team of Occupational Hygienists. His responsibilities included advising and assisting the Commonwealth and the States in formulating policies for worker protection.

Tony Findlay’s impact extended to national and international spheres. In 1961, he became the first scientific member of the Occupational Health Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC). He later chaired the NH&MRC Occupational Hygiene Subcommittee until 1985, contributing significantly to setting exposure limits and reviewing health effects of chemicals. His influence persisted during the transfer of occupational health responsibilities to Worksafe Australia in 1985.

During the challenging political era of 1985-92, Tony chaired the NOHSC Exposure Standards Committee, skillfully managing a diverse group of occupational hygienists, unionists, and industry representatives. His leadership ensured a rational system for reviewing changes in exposure standard values. Beyond his governmental roles, Tony’s passion for occupational hygiene manifested in his teaching methods. Recognizing deficiencies in Australia’s training programs, he developed postgraduate courses providing theoretical foundations and practical applications, impacting a multitude of professionals.

Tony Findlay played a pivotal role in the formation of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH). Serving on the inaugural 1980 Council, he contributed significantly to the institute’s foundation, earning him the status of Fellow and the prestigious Pam de Silva Medal in 2005. His legacy endures as his influence continues to shape occupational health and safety standards for millions of workers. His unwavering commitment, technical expertise, and dedication to setting high competence standards have left an indelible mark on the occupational hygiene profession, making him a revered figure within and beyond Australia.

Pamela (Pam) Elizabeth de Silva was not only a pioneering figure in occupational hygiene but also a trailblazer for women in science. Beginning her career as a Scientific Officer in the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Victorian Department of Health in 1952, she navigated challenges posed by Public Service regulations that hindered permanent employment for married women. Despite these obstacles, she forged an outstanding career, showcasing her resilience and determination.

Pam’s pivotal research focused on lead exposure, leading to the award of a Master of Public Health from Sydney University in 1982. Her work influenced regulations and standard-setting in occupational health, and she became a Senior Scientific Officer in the Industrial Hygiene Division. Pam was an enthusiastic scientific communicator, presenting papers at international conferences, contributing to scientific journals, and serving as a mentor to Victorian occupational hygienists.

As a founding member of the AIOH in 1980, Pam played a crucial role in shaping the institute’s early years. She served as President in 1982, 1986, and 1987, leaving an indelible mark on the organization. Her global impact was underscored when she became the first Australian President of the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) in 1989, reflecting her recognition and influence on the international stage.

Pamela de Silva’s post-retirement dedication to documenting the history of occupational health in Victoria underscores her commitment to the field’s development. Though she passed away before completing this work, her legacy endures through the Pam de Silva Medal and the profound impact she made on the field of occupational hygiene in Australia and beyond.

Gershom Major, born in 1920, embarked on a remarkable life journey characterized by diverse experiences and significant contributions to science and public health. Raised in a religiously mixed household with a Christadelphian father and an Anglican mother, Major later converted to atheism, aligning his beliefs with the pursuit of scientific knowledge. His early career unfolded during the Great Depression when, at the age of 15, he left school to join the A.W.A. Beam Wireless Service. As a telegraphist, Major delivered Ashes cricket scores to the ABC commentary team, laying the groundwork for a life intertwined with technology and communication.

Major’s educational pursuits led him to Melbourne University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (Physics) in 1946 at the age of 26. His thirst for exploration manifested in his participation in the 1st and 2nd Australian Antarctic Research Expeditions in 1947 and 1951. During these expeditions, Major not only contributed to scientific endeavors by studying the Southern Aurora but also played a crucial role in establishing the first radio connection from Macquarie Island. His twin brother’s tragic death at El Alamein in 1942 added a personal layer to Major’s journey, shaping his perspective on life and its challenges.

Transitioning to a career in occupational health, Major joined the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at the University of Sydney in 1955. Collaborating with Alan Rogers, he published numerous papers and became a mentor to many aspiring occupational hygienists. Major’s impact reached beyond academia as he played a pivotal role in exposing the health hazards of asbestos mining during a visit to the Wittenoom mine in 1966. His critical findings led to the closure of mining activities due to the risks associated with asbestos dust exposure.

In the later chapters of his career, Major served as a director of the Australian Institute of Political Science and editor of the Australian Quarterly, contributing to the nation’s intellectual and political discourse. Recognized for his scientific integrity, he received the inaugural Da Silva Award from the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists in 1998. Gershom Major’s legacy endures not only through his pioneering work but also through his contributions to education, public health, and the scientific community. His passing in 2006 marked the end of a life dedicated to exploration, knowledge, and societal well-being.

*Dr Derek Major and Granddaughter of Gershom Major where representing Gershom at the AIOH Hall of Fame Dinner. 

Trevor’s pivotal role in the field of occupational hygiene extended to his significant contributions to the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH), showcasing his dedication to the growth and professional development of the discipline. Recognizing the importance of a unified professional body, Trevor was among the group of insightful leaders who played a crucial role in establishing the AIOH. In 1980, he took up the inaugural position of President, setting the foundation for the institute’s trajectory. His leadership during this formative period was instrumental in shaping the AIOH into a respected and influential organization within the occupational hygiene community.

Not content with a singular term, Trevor sought re-election as President in 1983, demonstrating his sustained commitment to guiding the AIOH through its early years. During his presidency, Trevor worked with a council of promising young hygienists, contributing to the institute’s growth and development. His impact resonated with the members, as he emphasized the responsibilities of the profession and the importance of nurturing a strong membership base.

Trevor’s lasting imprint on the AIOH was further solidified when he received the Yant Memorial Award from the American Industrial Hygiene Association in 1988. This recognition not only honoured his outstanding contributions but also served as a testament to the international recognition of the AIOH as a professional institution. Trevor’s legacy within the AIOH continued to flourish, culminating in his election as a Fellow in 2005, a fitting acknowledgment by his peers of his exceptional contributions throughout the decades to occupational health and safety.

Beyond his formal roles, Trevor’s influence on the AIOH was characterized by his practical approach and hard-won personal experiences. He played a crucial role in guiding the institute through legislative challenges, contributing to the development of codes of practice, exposure standards, and the overall philosophy that continues to shape occupational hygiene practices in New South Wales and beyond. His contributions to the AIOH remain a testament to his unwavering commitment to the profession and the safeguarding of workers’ health and well-being.

*Alan Rogers accepted the Legend award on behalf of Trevor Jones