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“Safety is a vital
element of KONE’s
sustainability
equation.”
“We are a forward-
looking, future-
oriented company,
and have a very
important role to
play in sustainable,
urbanized societies.”
but the average number of days lost
to injury has also been falling.
The improved safety culture has
also contributed to increased reporting
of near-misses, where accidents were
averted or avoided and where correc-
tive action could help in the future.
Installation and maintenance teams
also prioritize getting information to
customers and passengers.
“We want everybody to go home
safely, every day,” Pihkala adds.
Reducing the impact on the environ-
ment is essential for a more sustainable
future and has driven the development
of different eco-innovations.
“The aim is to save energy, reduce
the materials needed, and keep working
toward targets for net zero energy
building requirements in future,”
Uusitalo says.
sustainability equation
Through a clear vision, the company
has consistently met and even beaten
ever-tougher targets, putting it into
the top 10 percent of the toughest
category of carbon-related sustainability
measures. And it has also won a place in
the top dozen of the Newsweek greenest
company rankings.
From research and design, sustainabil-
ity has a crucial role all the way along
the supply chain to the client, for new
products, maintenance and services.
“It is very important in the sourcing
and supplier networks and we also work
systematically with our logistical suppli-
ers, to issues such as packaging, efficient
routes and energy performance in
delivery vehicles and in our service
vehicle fleet,” Uusitalo says.
And environmental concerns are just
a starting point, given the importance
of the social and economic aspects
too, she adds.
The other executives agree.
“Sustainability is a pre-condition for
pretty much everything we do,” says
Tomio Pihkala
, Executive Vice President
for Operations Development. Putting it
at the heart of the business also sets the
KONE brand apart in the marketplace, he
says, adding that safety is a vital element
of the sustainability equation.
“Every accident is one too many,”
Pihkala says. “And we demand, and
get, the same approach from our
subcontractors and suppliers.”
Looking out for each other
Increasing awareness of risks and
aiming for ever-tighter targets have had
a measurable effect: not only have
work-related accidents been decreasing,
“Sustainability is
about developing
a culture of
working together,
and of trust.”
The goal of zero accidents is an
important aspect of providing a safe,
healthy working environment not only
for KONE employees – but also for
customers and the people using KONE’s
equipment.
Yet reaching the strategic aim of
being a great place to work demands
more, says
Kerttu Tuomas
, Executive
Vice President for Human Resources.
“Building a sustainable company
is also about motivating and develop-
ing our employees,” she says. KONE’s
Winning Team of True Professionals
PEOPLE FLOW |
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