Lifelong Learning @ UNB
UNB Centre for Learning Futures

In today's rapidly evolving world, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is of paramount importance to organizations. Occupational health and safety (OHS) programs play a crucial role in equipping safety practitioners and management with the knowledge and skills to create safe working environments. For more than two decades, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has been at the forefront of promoting occupational health and safety.

Playing a key role in the growth of UNB's portfolio of online OHS programs and garnering the institution's highly respected reputation within the safety industry is program manager Deborah Blackmore.

"When I started at UNB in 2005, safety was still a very new field, and our program was in its infancy. Shortly thereafter, I started travelling to trade shows and conferences to promote our programs. As a result, we experienced exponential growth and haven't looked back since. We are proud to be home to the largest Occupational Health and Safety program in Canada."

Continuously updating and expanding program offerings, working closely with regional and national safety organizations, and hosting an annual Thought Leaders Dinner with stakeholders in the safety field are just a few of the many ways Ms. Blackmore ensures UNB is keeping pace with the advancement of the health and safety sector and the training needs of the workforce.

A key moment in the program's history occurred on Sept. 3, 2017, when UNB joined the International Network of Safety and Health Practitioner Organisations (INSHPO) and its members in signing the Singapore Accord, an agreement to uphold a global framework that aims to enhance the quality and relevance of OHS education.

Signing the Singapore Accord signals UNB's "commitment to improving OHS professional and practitioner capabilities so they may more effectively guide and lead the creation of healthier and safer workplaces" (Source: INSHPO).

Among the 40+ signatories are policymakers in government, education institutions, and OHS experts and professional organizations, like the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP), Health and Safety Professionals Canada and others from around the world, including Australia, the European Union, Korea, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, Singapore, and the United States.

Ms. Blackmore was on the stage with the who's who of the safety world at the XXI World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Singapore when the historic document was signed.

"Being part of a global alliance that is dedicated to advancing the Occupational Health and Safety profession is very important to us," Blackmore says. "We are part of a team that is committed to equipping practitioners and professionals with the competencies and capabilities they need to ensure workers around the world go home safe every day."

Why choose UNB?

Relevant curriculum

UNB's Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (COHS) and Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) program curricula are aligned with the core principles and competencies outlined in the INSHPO Capability Framework. This alignment ensures the curriculum remains up-to-date and relevant to the evolving needs of the industry and helps students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers.

Internationally recognized standard of knowledge and skills

The Singapore Accord has gained international recognition as a benchmark for OHS education. UNB’s alignment with this global framework reassures students that they are receiving a high-quality, comprehensive education from a reputable institution whose OHS programs meet an international standard. Graduates of UNB's COHS and DOHS programs benefit from international recognition for the knowledge and skills they've gained at UNB, enhancing their credibility and opening doors to global career opportunities.

Continuous improvement

The Singapore Accord promotes a culture of continuous improvement in OHS education. UNB's programs benefit from this emphasis on ongoing evaluation and enhancement. By regularly reviewing and updating curriculum, we ensure that our programs remain at the forefront of OHS education, incorporating the latest industry trends and best practices.

As we continue to prioritize occupational health and safety education at UNB, the Singapore Accord serves as a guiding framework and stands as a testament to the commitment of the global OHS community towards excellence and professionalism.

UNB is one of only two institutions offering OHS programs in Canada that are signatories on the Singapore Accord. To learn more about our programs, visit go.unb.ca/ohs or contact us at customerservice@unb.ca.