Lifelong Learning @ UNB
UNB College of Extended Learning

A single moment can change the course of a career. For Chalena Biggar, that moment came when she stepped into an interim role that introduced her to the world of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). What started as a temporary responsibility soon became her lifelong passion, leading her to become a driving force in workplace safety.

A dedicated professional who has made significant strides in the OHS field, Biggar currently serves as the Director of Health & Safety at Cooke Inc., a Canadian multinational seafood company that is headquartered in Saint John, New Brunswick. She moved into this role in 2023, after working her way up in other safety roles within the company.

Throughout her career, Biggar has achieved numerous milestones. She holds the Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST)® designation through the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP) and the Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC) certification through Health & Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC). Her significant impact on the industry was first recognized when she was named one of the Top Women in Safety 2024 by Canadian Occupational Safety. The honour was especially meaningful as the nomination came from a peer who had witnessed her career growth from the beginning. Again this year, Biggar's efforts in Safety were acknowledged when she was named one of the 2025 Top Women in Safety.

Biggar's dedication to workplace safety extends beyond her job. She is actively involved in various boards and organizations. She has served on the Board of Directors (BOD) for the New Brunswick Chapter of HSPC and is currently a member of the Safety Services NB BOD. Additionally, she is a member of HSPC, ASSP, and WISE, and is an associate member of WOHSS. Her volunteer work with the Steps for Life Saint John Committee further highlights her commitment to the cause.

One of the biggest changes Biggar has seen in the profession over the course of her career is the increase in the number of women leaders in the industry. To support this growth and give back to her profession, she co-founded Women Safety Leaders, a networking group in Saint John that meets quarterly. She encourages women in industry, and those who may be interested in a career in safety, to join their group to share stories and make connections.

When asked what she enjoys most about being an OHS practitioner, Biggar noted it was the immense satisfaction she gets from educating all levels of workers — from frontline to upper management — and seeing them understand the importance of workplace safety.

"Every day I go to work, I have a purpose that makes a difference in the lives of others."

Biggar's commitment to professional development led her to enrol in the Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (COHS) program at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). She found the program to be highly beneficial, as it allowed her to apply newly gained knowledge directly to her job. The flexibility of the online, self-paced format made it possible for her to balance her studies with work and life commitments.

Encouraged by her success with the COHS program, Biggar is now pursuing UNB's Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) to further her education and achieve her next goal of obtaining the BCRSP's Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP)® designation. She highly recommends the COHS program to anyone considering a career in health and safety, citing her own positive experience and career growth as a testament to its value.

"It's so important to have a good foundation of OHS knowledge when entering this field. UNB's program modules and the quality of instructors are top notch."

Chalena Biggar's career path in Occupational Health and Safety is a powerful example of pursuing your passion and making an impact. Her dedication, commitment and innovative spirit have not only advanced her career but also contributed to a safer and more supportive workplace for many. Bigger’s story is an inspiration to anyone seeking to make a difference in their chosen field.

On March 26, Biggar and co-host, Nuala Reilly, will close out the 2024-2025 season of UNB's Let's Talk Safety webinar series on the topic, "Leadership vs. Influencing: How Communications and Conversations are the First Step to Safety Success."

Sign up for this free event and you'll qualify for $200 off one of UNB's Occupational Health and Safety or Certificate in Management Essentials courses.

Ready to take your next step in workplace safety? Explore UNB's OHS programs, events and resources, and gain the skills and knowledge to create safer work environments.

Visit go.unb.ca/about-ohs or contact us at customerservice@unb.ca today.