In constructing roadways, safety is paramount. Both on-site team members, and the citizens in the vicinity, are an integral consideration in any Traffic Management Plan (TMP). A solid TMP will give peace of mind to those on the ground, those licensing the work and goes a long way towards alleviating any mishaps. TMPs as outlined …

On-demand labour is a fantastic resource for businesses. Whether dealing with staff shortages, increased productivity, or expanded services for special projects, a business can access the skills they need, when they need them, through short-term labour. Unfortunately, not all temporary staffing is the same: using a reputable staffing agency is instrumental to success and will …

Does your next project require traffic equipment? You could go out and buy it, or you could reach out to the Universal Group and rent everything you need! Besides the opportunity to partner with traffic management experts who can offer advice and excellent customer service, here are five reasons to rent (not buy) your traffic …

Coming from a team with hundreds of staff on our roads each day, we know that being prepared is always an advantage. One of the best ways to look after yourself, and your family, is to build a roadside emergency kit that is truly tailored to your needs. To Build or To Buy It’s easy …

Everybody loves that fresh cut lawn smell but unless you do the work on the backend, you may just wind up admiring your neighbours instead of your own. A well-maintained lawn starts well before the flowers begin to bloom! Here are five winter lawn care tips to make sure you’ll have a beautiful space to …

Our lives are stitched together by hundreds of small decisions a day. We decide on diaper brands, the best place to get moving boxes, and the best use of a budget. Yet—as the day wears on—we may begin to struggle with even simple decisions. This is not unusual. Psychologists have observed that after shopping—a process …

The internet is familiar with explosion videos, but the Tianjin port explosions from 2015 were different. Its bright pillar of flame towered over buildings, shattered windows, and ended 173 lives. By the end, the port was a flat circle of soot under bent car frames and melted Seacans. It did not take long for people …

Spring bulbs, summer flowers, fall leaves, and winter branches—oh, the beauty of seasons. But unlike in unbridled nature, in commercial landscapes, it doesn’t just happen naturally. It takes a landscape design that includes plants with different bloom times and maintenance that optimizes landscapes for each season. Here are a few tips from your landscape experts …

My name is Danny Le and I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a position as a Labour Foreman. have been working on a large site now for about 4 months, all thanks to M3 Personnel staff. I came to their Port Coquitlam office just over a year ago looking for general labour and their support …

With continuously increasing cars on the road and kilometres driven, traffic equipment trends focus on keeping road users and workers safe, especially as traffic peak hours force more roadside work into the evenings and nights. Demand for high-visibility traffic vests, cones, and barricade tapes continues to grow—the market for global traffic safety products is expected …

When the Ministry of Transportation publishes a new 2020 Traffic Management Manual with a whole new set of minutia to figure out, wouldn’t it be nice to know you’ve hired the most capable and prepared team around? Attention to detail and ongoing training that facilitates early adoption of changing regulations are some of the many …

Brittni was working in retail in 2012 when a friend who worked in construction suggested she consider getting her Traffic Control Person (TCP) ticket. She didn’t know much about the traffic industry at the time but working as a flagger pays well so she thought she should give it a try. She signed up for …

Every year for almost 100 years, the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau has set out to empower families in need to create Christmas experiences for their kids through the generosity of the community. For the past 6 years, Universal Group has joined the fun at the Vancouver Motorcycle Toy Run. In 2018, Universal Group raised over …

With each new year comes new design trends and landscaping is no exception. Tranquil, plant-filled escapes have become a necessity as the shift from rural to urban living continues. Seventy percent of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050. It’s these city-dwellers longing for nature that drives the need for thoughtful …

Ever heard of Nagar Kirtan? This Punjabi term loosely translates into singing holy hymns in the neighbourhood. The concept is to bring the message of God to the community’s doorstep and events of this nature are especially popular during the month of Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year). Nagar Kirtan involves a procession led by the Panj …

We see signs in red, yellow, green, or blue, and we pay attention because we know they contain important information. At a glance and almost without thinking, anyone can tell that there is a safety hazard and judge how severe it may be. It’s what makes colour-coding a truly brilliant idea for safety. Even in …

My name is Peter Gallacher and I’m a longtime carpenter. I love carpentry and have honed my skills over time to achieve a Red Seal certification. But I don’t love handing out resumes and waiting for interviews so I sought out a staffing agency that could help me find work. At work sites, I found …

It wasn’t long ago that the term temporary staffing was synonymous with unskilled labour. But specialized skills and a preference for flexible work hours and environments has led many skilled workers into the world of temporary staff. Whether freelancers, gig workers, or temporary staff, these days, it’s not uncommon to seek out specific skills for …

Michigan State University surveyed residents concerning the most important factors to perceived property values. At the top of the list? Landscaping! We’re not talking lawn mowing or tree trimming but thoughtful landscape design. Driving down the street, nothing catches your eye faster than a well-designed landscape. This confirms what strata have known for years—first impressions …

You know that saying, “Money doesn’t grow on trees”? Well, it’s not entirely true. With the help of Universal Landscaping, your trees (and plants and shrubs, etc.) can start saving you money in no time. How? It’s simple. Universal Landscaping experts can improve the energy efficiency of your landscape design! Energy Efficiency Besides curbside value, …

Field-Level Risk Assessment, Job Safety Analysis, Task Hazard Analysis, Field-Level Hazard Analysis—no matter what you call it, the process of stopping to identify and control hazards in your work environment is a crucial step in keeping you safe. Four Basic Hazards According to highway worker safety programs, there are four basic hazards that flaggers (and …

In a nutshell, a Traffic Control Field Supervisor ensures that Traffic Control Persons and Lane Control Technicians stay safe and follow all regulations because the risks of working in the elements amidst moving traffic can never be overlooked. A Field Supervisor starts their day by printing off a roster of work sites within their designated …

Yes, we’re experts in flagging and traffic control, but we’re so much more. Surely, you’ve seen our fleet of branded trucks. Filled with signage, cones, delineators, and barriers, our trucks are commandeered by a team of certified lane control technicians who work with dispatchers and flaggers to minimize a project’s impact on traffic. All over …

When you hire Universal Traffic Supply for your traffic equipment needs, you get much more than traffic equipment. As a Universal Group company, Universal Traffic Supply comes with over 10 years of experience in the traffic control industry. If that’s not enough, here are 4 reasons to partner with Universal Traffic Supply for your next …

Although roadside work hazards vary widely depending on the type of road, driving conditions, scale and duration of the project, etc., there are a few safety tips that workers should always keep in mind. Wear High Visibility Clothing If your personal protective equipment (PPE) doesn’t already cover you in fluorescent and reflective yellow, do it …

Learning about the basic principles of landscape design allows you to better define your landscape project. This is important when it comes to finding the right team to help you design, install, and maintain it. In essence, landscape design combines horticultural science, artful composition, and spatial organization to create attractive and functional spaces outdoors. It …

Defining your landscape project and identifying the right team to help you design, install, and maintain it is easier if you’re familiar with the basics of landscape design. In essence, landscape design combines horticultural science, artful composition, and spatial organization to create attractive and functional spaces outdoors. It uses the elements and principles of design …

Wondering how to start a career in traffic control? We’ve laid it out in simple steps from becoming a certified Traffic Control Person (TCP), to working as a Lane Closure Technician (LCT), to becoming a Field Supervisor. Simply start at step one and the rest will follow! How do I become a Traffic Control Person? …

Since its inception in the 1940s, the traffic cone quickly gained fame around the world (not an easy feat in the ages before the internet and social media). Known as a pylon, witches’ hat, road cone, safety cone, or channelling device, everybody became familiar with the orange cone and the message of caution it carries. …

More and more of us make an effort to put the planet first. Some times are easier than others but all are worthwhile. When it comes to earth-friendly gardens, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies can go a long way. Here are a few ideas to attract them to your garden: Have a Plan Create a …

Headed to a construction job interview? The management team will want to know if they can trust you to get the job done. You can expect them to ask questions about your work ethic, dependability, and skills. Consider the information below to make sure you’re prepared. Know Your ‘Why’ It’s never a good idea to …

There’s a chance you’ve seen or even walked on synthetic grass recently without knowing it. That’s because nowadays, it looks just like the real thing. But before you tell your lawn mower goodbye, there are a few pros and cons to consider. Water Our sprinkler systems expend a lot of water to keep our lawns …

While curb appeal most often comes up in conversations about property sales, given the chance, it can influence the way we experience buildings year-round. Street numbers, mailboxes, gardens, and paths set our expectations as we open the front door. A strata property that feels warm and inviting as you arrive is more likely to maintain …

If construction or special events are going to cause interruptions to mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles, or interruptions to the community including surrounding businesses and residents, cities require a Traffic Management Plan (TMP). The objective is to assure safe passage for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles around the project site with minimal interruptions to the …

If you’re passionate about ensuring safe work practices, maintaining safe work environments, and coaching others, you can succeed as a Construction Safety Officer (CSO). Helping others, that’s what a career in safety is all about. Some go into it because they have a background in trades and need to do something different. Others have family …

WorkSafeBC requires all traffic control workers to have a Traffic Control Person (TCP) certification. This translates to a two-day course that combines classroom learning and field practice to ensure traffic control persons have the skills they need to be prepared and safe on the road. Universal Health and Safety (UHS) proudly offers the certification, and …

To put it simply, Occupational Health and Safety specialists are those people keeping worksites and workers safe. How? By making sure everyone is following the rules and minimizing risks. Of course, there’s a lot more to it than that… Let’s break it down. What do Occupational Health and Safety specialists do? Occupational Health and Safety …

The field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) deals with keeping workers, work environments, the public, and the environment safe. It follows that the qualities required to succeed will vary but here are just a few of the important ones: Problem-Solving Skills OHS specialists are tasked with making work environments safer and healthier which entails …

We all take driver’s tests to demonstrate our understanding of the written rules of the road, but what about the unwritten ones? The written rules are important for keeping us safe, while the unwritten rules are important for smoother commutes. Think of them as a way of communicating with road users beyond your horn and …

The beauty of a nicely watered lawn, blooming flowers, and tranquil water features, might seem like a luxury around your home, but going the extra mile to landscape your property has many benefits. From not only becoming more aesthetically pleasing for your neighbourhood, there are also many financial and environment benefits that a landscaped space …

Do you have a first aid kit in your office? If you do, do you know where it is, and if it meets WorkSafe BC first aid standards? Workplace first aid is an essential part of all offices, and it should be a pillar of your health and safety requirements in your work environment. Here are 3 ways your …

In the construction industry, successful projects are often dependent on the project owners and the contractors they hire. The complexity of projects, including budgets, legal requirements and regulations, often cause construction projects to go off the rails quickly. As a manager and a superintendent, it is important to be aware of common problems you might …

Every Spring, your lawn can appear dry and withered away by the challenging winter weather. Suppose you could revitalize your lawn and give it the proper attention and care it needs to grow greener and fuller in time for the Spring and Summer, and last all the way until Fall. To make things easier for …

Congratulations! It’s not every day that you receive a phone call for a job interview, especially at the construction company you’ve wanted to work at for some time. At this point of the job search process, you can trust that a recruiter has taken an interest in your resume. However, your resume can only get …

Construction sites need Construction Safety Officers (CSOs) to maintain the health and safety of the entire crew. A CSO is imperative to every team, but what do they do? A Construction Safety Officer’s primary role is to make sure all health and safety regulations are implemented and followed during the entire course of a construction process. To maintain the safety of a …

It’s a busy Spring season and your annual client appreciation event is steadily approaching. On top of this, you have to start preparing for your annual staff party coming up in the Summer. You are juggling a peak period of growth in your company and might not have the time to hire staff for these …

There are many advantages of getting certified in a variety of educational health and safety courses, including minimizing workplace injuries and being more prepared for workplace emergencies. There are also a myriad of other reasons why companies invest thousands of dollars annually on health and safety lunch and learns, courses, and certifications — just like …

If your organization has a property with a yard and grassy areas, there are plenty of ways to elevate the landscape design from basic to on-trend for this new year! There are many design specifications and options that can make commercial landscaping challenging. Not only that, but maintenance is one of the more frequent reasons …

You’ve been searching for a job on one of the many search engines out there, and finally you get that phone call. Your ideal employer wants to bring you in for an interview to see if you hold up to your resume. (If you need help making your application stand out, check out our other blog). Here …

In every construction site on the road, you will see people with traffic signs and safety vests controlling the directions of pedestrians and automobiles. They are known as Traffic Control Person (TCPs), or flaggers. Even though you’ve come across them frequently, you might not be familiar with what their responsibilities are and how much authority …

Often businesses have to work on a diversified, large-scaled or specialized project without any prior experience in the field. In these cases, expert knowledge from a subcontractor will come in handy and can lead to the success of your project. Hiring a subcontractor for short-term projects is beneficial regarding cost, efficiency, and the quality of …

Hospitality agencies are field-specific temporary agencies that provide food, beverage and event-related support for your company. When considering a hospitality staffing agency for your next event, you might be curious about how these agencies operate. Here is the 6-step guide on the process of how hospitality temporary agencies will work with you to provide the best workforce for your events. Step One: Request for Services Map out when you will need the services …

You might work nine to five, the night shift, or a myriad of hours in between, but you probably struggle fitting in everything you need to do in a day. Over the winter period, you might have noticed an insurgence of digital assistants such as the Google Home and Amazon Alexa. It’s a sign of the times …

No matter what sector your company is in, employees in every field of industry face dangers that threaten their lives and health every day. It is crucial for businesses to understand how health and safety training plays a significant role in contributing to the company’s overall success. There are four aspects you can improve on …

Everybody loves that fresh cut lawn smell in the Spring, but a well-maintained lawn starts well before the flowers begin to bloom! Here are 5 winter lawn care tips to make this year’s lawn one your neighbours will be talking about: Cleaning (raking, protection, debris etc.) Leaves, debris, and any objects left outside can cause …

When you consider hiring temporary employment in construction, you may decide to use a temporary labour agency to support this process. An agency can efficiently eliminate the hassle of recruitment, payroll and administrative burden and lets you focus on your project. Choosing the right temporary employment agency is critical to ensure your organization can ultimately benefit from temporary …

Most people in the construction industry can agree that the superintendent is held accountable for the completion of the project from start to finish. From taking part in the bidding process to overseeing all the work is done with plans, specifications, and local codes, it’s clear that superintendents have plenty of work and daily reporting …

Overseeing the planning, design, management and construction of a project is no easy feat. If a construction project is taking place on or close to the streets, the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, seniors, drivers, and people with disabilities must be considered. The government requires all projects that will interfere with road usage and safety to …

When you are applying for jobs in construction, your application will be the first thing that the hiring person will see from you. In the sea of resumes and cover letters, how can you make the best first impression? Here are 5 tips that will make your application shine among others’ in the construction sector. …

When you are applying for jobs in construction, your application will be the first thing that the hiring person will see from you. In the sea of resumes and cover letters, how can you make the best first impression? Here are 5 tips that will make your application shine among others’ in the construction sector. …

Have you ever fallen off a ladder while trying to reach merchandise? Or have you slipped on a wet construction floor on a rainy day? Accidents are unexpected and can occur anytime in every workplace. Whether they are physical injuries or a financial loss, employers need to understand that once your employees step foot in …

It’s become more apparent that mobile and desktop applications have expanded beyond the everyday consumer and have made its way into professional industries. For the construction industry, many apps have focused largely on improving workplace safety, increasing project productivity, enhancing customer relationships and communication, and creating ways to optimize financial spending. While there may be …

Temporary employment has moved far beyond hiring secretarial and clerical work. Today, temporary workers come with a unique skill set from hospitality staff to construction labourers, and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to your company. Meeting the demands of your company can be a challenge, but it is important to identify these demands …

2018 is here! New year means it’s time to revamp a lot of things in your life, and your garden could be one of them. Here are the Top 5 residential landscaping trends of 2018 that you can easily apply to your outdoor area this upcoming year. These trends will inspire you to keep your …

The purpose of the Occupational First Aid (OFA) is to educate employees to recognize medical emergencies that can occur in the work environment and take suitable steps to minimize the injuries and threats. Occupational first aid courses cover CPR, dealing with small wounds, sprains, shock, spinal injuries, and managing emergency situations. In B.C., all workplace First Aid …

Most of the major construction projects involve subcontractors. They are there to save the main contractor’s time, risk and energy. Even though they are critical components in ensuring project’s success, some contractors are inattentive when managing their subcontractors. Simply appointing them and leaving them to get the job done is not the best course of …

Better safe than sorry is a moto we like to live by, especially when dealing with one of the most dangerous industries in Canada. Construction is not an easy job and there are many precautions that should be taken to reduce the risk of injuries and ensure safety on the jobsite. One major factor in …

Even the best laid-out plans don’t always work out. Life happens, and there’s nothing more unpredictable at work than scheduling your employees. From vacations to sick days and increases in demand, it is hard to plan how many people you will need and when. Staffing agencies can take away the stress and give you the right …

I’m sure we all remember the day where we found out that Google had a slide in their office and a free cafeteria. I’m even more sure that we all wished we could work at Google. We’re hearing more and more about progressive office places taking over, but creating a positive mindset at work can …

Lunch and Learns are the new trend taking over work places, and for good reasons. Lunch and Learns are 30-60 minute sessions where coworkers get a chance to enjoy each others’ company, indulge in some food and learn about pressing topics both inside and outside of the industry. But what’s so great about it?     Applicable Professional …

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Where the air is crisp, the sweaters are cozy and pumpkins are the main attraction in every recipe. If you’re looking to get crafty this Halloween season you came to the right place. Here are a few of our favorite DIY projects for Halloween. Canning Ring Pumpkin …