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Hilti's Quest for Improving Customer Safety
A spotlight on Health and Safety expert Khadija Talley
Written by Rhizlaine Benabid | May 9, 2024
In the bustling and hazardous world of construction, safety is not just a protocol, it is a lifeline. Central to Hilti’s mission to improve customer safety is a team of dedicated global experts.
Among them is Khadija Talley, a health and safety (H&S) expert from Hilti North America who is certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Her passion, commitment and expertise in occupational H&S help steer the construction industry toward safer and more reliable practices. With a unique background that includes unexpected professional turns and a deep-rooted passion for H&S, she is perfectly aligned with Hilti's mission to enhance customer safety on the construction site.
Bridging innovation and safety at Hilti
Khadija's role at Hilti goes beyond the conventional responsibilities of an H&S expert. She serves as a bridge between Hilti's solutions and the company's day-to-day interactions with customers, ensuring that safety is not only preached but also practiced. From addressing customer inquiries about best practices and dust control to providing customized training content, her work at Hilti is pivotal in cultivating a culture of safety.
Advancing safety with cutting-edge technologies
A crucial element of Hilti's strategy to improve safety on construction sites is the integration of Nuron1, Hilti’s cordless tools equipped with advanced safety features. These tools help our customers address challenges such as musculoskeletal disorders, cord-related tripping hazards, falls from heights and health issues related to dust in working environments, just to name a few.
"The incorporation of safety and comfort technologies like Active Torque Control (ATC)2, Active Vibration Reduction (AVR)3, Dust Removal Systems (DRS)4 and Senstech5 customers’ goal of a zero-incident construction site," says Khadija.
“Hilti is not only dedicated to serving customers but also to enhancing the safety and well-being of building occupants,” she adds. “Through-penetration firestop6 systems are designed to stop the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases. Additionally, we offer anchoring solutions7 that enhance structural support and stability, along with MEP support systems that help secure the stability of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services.” This wide range of solutions allows Hilti’s H&S experts to effectively address customers' specific needs, helping them to alleviate the unique challenges they face.
The indivisible link between safety and productivity
Khadija emphasizes how Hilti links productivity with safety, ensuring neither is compromised, asserting, "Safety and productivity are intrinsically linked; one cannot flourish without the other." She believes this synergy is crucial for construction, where safety's impact on productivity is profound. Injuries not only cause physical harm but also affect team morale and the company's reputation, making it harder to attract and retain skilled workers.
Khadija insists on the importance of comprehensive training and a safer work environment to support a positive safety record. This approach, she argues, is essential for maintaining a company's industry standing and improving the well-being of its workforce.
Anticipating future safety challenges
When asked about future safety challenges and trends that may impact our customers, Khadija highlighted the shortage of skilled labor as a significant concern, noting that the dwindling interest in construction trades is leaving a substantial gap in the workforce. This gap often leads to companies attempting to do more with less, a situation that invariably raises H&S issues on job sites.
She strongly supports Hilti's emphasis on productivity, underscoring the inseparable link between productivity enhancements and employee H&S. Additionally, Khadija points out the increasing importance of mental health in the industry, recognizing that an employee's mental well-being is crucial not only for their job performance but for fostering a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
“This holistic approach to safety, considering both physical and mental health aspects, is fundamental in addressing the evolving challenges faced by our customers.”
The real impact of dedication
Khadija's journey with Hilti exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on promoting safety within the construction industry. Her story, however, is just the tip of the iceberg in showcasing what Hilti does in terms of construction safety.
Hilti is a hub of dedicated experts like Khadija, all united in their mission to enhance workplace safety. Their extensive dedication, coupled with a shared vision and passion for safety and customer service, makes each of them invaluable assets in Hilti's quest to ensure a safer, healthier work environment for construction workers.
Together, through the concerted efforts of all safety experts and the support of Hilti's solutions, the vision of zero accidents and injuries and a dust-free workplace is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality being forged day by day.