High visibility: Universal Group puts safety at the forefront

Canada’s largest traffic control provider isn’t just improving health and safety. They are completely transforming it. Recently recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, Universal Group continues to set industry benchmarks in safety and innovation.

How does one see that kind of success? It starts with a leadership team committed to safety and a willingness to invest in a technology-driven approach.

Robert Clark, Universal’s Director of Health and Safety, is a safety industry veteran. He’s worked in gaming, forestry, mining, telecommunications, cannabis and other industries, but rarely has he seen a leadership team more committed to health and safety. 

“Once I joined this organization, it was life-changing because I’ve never had support,” said Clark. “I report right to the CEO and every quarter I report to the board. The passion is there. When companies say safety is a top priority, it usually falls behind other things.” 

With so many workers near traffic and exposed to the elements, the stakes couldn’t be higher. But the danger often isn’t always obvious. 

“One of the biggest dangers in this industry is complacency,” explained Clark. “I am not really concerned about aggressive drivers. The ones we’re worried about are the complacent ones, the distracted ones, the soccer mom that’s reaching over her shoulder to grab the sippy cup for her child. it’s nothing malicious but all of a sudden they veer off and they go through the work zone.” 

Going digital

When the time came to overhaul the company’s health and safety systems and processes, the challenge was daunting. Universal boasts more than 20 branch locations, more than 900 traffic control vehicles. At last count, total headcount for Universal Group was over 1800, with 1000 being in traffic. 

As regulatory requirements increased, they found themselves generating and tracking more than 170 safety assessments each day.

“We were using 14 different systems, everything from SharePoint to Google Forms, to Power BI, to piece together our health and safety management,” said Clark. “All our forms in the field were paper-based.” 

They worked with safety software experts at SALUS to completely digitize this process so workers in the field could fill out these assessments on their cell phones. But Universal took it one step further, customizing the software to run its entire health and safety program. This means pre-trip vehicle assessments, investigations, near-miss reports and more are all available in the palm of a worker’s hand. It also created a vital line of data communication between various Universal operational management teams and departments. Nearly all workers have embraced the tools and to date in B.C. alone, the company has over 42,000 forms submitted.

Digitizing health and safety doesn’t just streamline operations, it generates invaluable data that has revolutionized how Universal works. 

This includes small things, like if a pre-trip inspection report reveals a windshield wiper doesn’t work the fleet department is immediately aware and can follow up with repairs or replacement.    

But also bigger things. Because reporting was made so much easier, near-misses and other incident reporting went up, giving leadership a more accurate idea of where to direct their attention. 

When data from reports revealed that a common cause in collisions was people backing up their vehicles, Universal was able to identify the issue and take action. 

“Construction sites are tight, they jump in their car, back up, don’t walk around beforehand and they hit something,” said Clark. “We saw all of this through the data.”

Universal implemented a pilot program requiring workers to do a full check of their vehicle’s surroundings before backing up and these accidents have been cut in half. 

“It’s been a remarkable tool. I had no idea the value a health and safety management system could bring,” said Clark. 

Embracing technology

It’s not just software. Universal is innovating with hardware as well. 

They have heavily invested in Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs). 

These versatile pieces of equipment feature both flashing lights and a flagged gate-arm that extends into traffic lanes, making them highly visible to road users. They allow Universal to move its Traffic Control persons to the side of the road, where they can control the work zone remotely. 

Universal stated that they are leveraging AFADs more than ever since regulatory changes in B.C. in many instances require  them to be more broadly implemented at worksites. But Universal hasn’t stopped there. They have taken on a leadership role in the industry, acting as a link between WorkSafeBC and contractors. They help educate contractors about regulatory changes and new technology, as well as provide data and feedback to public officials. 

“We’ve really moved the needle on these new regulations, assisting WorkSafe in getting the education out there,” said Clark.

They also utilize crash attenuator trucks that are specially designed to absorb high-speed impacts. 

“We’ve had two instances this year of crash trucks getting hit at high speeds,” said Clark. “The first was at more than 70 kph. The second was over 110 kph. When they hit our crash trucks they saved lives. Nobody was hurt.”

The team is also committed to reducing their environmental impact and has introduced several green initiatives. They have invested in solar-powered machinery, significantly reducing their reliance on batteries for trailered equipment. Field employees now use fuel-efficient SUVs, and the company’s offices are strategically located near public transit hubs to minimize commuting emissions. 

The team has also embraced digital solutions like FleetWave and Skedulo for route planning and paperless operations, further cutting down on fuel use and waste. Additionally, energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting and optimized HVAC systems, have been implemented to reduce energy consumption across their facilities.

Growing through safety

From achieving Certificate of Recognition (COR) Certification for going above and beyond legal requirements, to adopting the latest technology, coordinating safety education with industry partners and developing a sophisticated return to work program, Universal’s entire business is built around safety. It’s an approach that has paid off.

Kobie Brandt, Universal’s Chief Operating Officer, explained, “Our growth as a company is tied to our unwavering commitment to safety and innovation. We are not just providing traffic control services; we are delivering peace of mind to our clients by ensuring the highest standards of safety.” 

From acquiring small local businesses in B.C. to merging with major competitors, Universal Group has strategically expanded its footprint. Notable acquisitions include Beacon Lite in Ontario, Groupe Signalisation in Quebec, and Advanced Traffic Control in Seattle, marking its entry into the U.S. market.

Today, the Universal Group is the largest traffic management and control services provider in Canada with over 2,000 employees. Their team provides traffic control personnel, lane closure services, traffic control equipment, traffic management plans, sign manufacturing and other services. The company is headquartered in Langley, B.C. with locations across B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Québec and Washington State.

“The one thing I think that is a market differentiator for us as we really are a One-Stop shop for everything traffic control, whether its signs, equipment, lane closures or flagging, a client can call us and get all aspects of the service with one phone call,” said Brandt.

To get a quote from Universal Group for all traffic control planning, personnel and more, contact them today.