Page 78 - OHS, October 2023

GAS DETECTION Embracing Change: How Connected Gas Detection is Reshaping Safety — and Organizations Beyond safety technology, the rise of connected gas detection underscores a deep need for organizational change and human adaptation. How does change management help integrate connected gas detection into company safety cultures? BY DAVID KOPF In today’s worker safety world, technological evolution is con- stant, but it’s not just about the tools — it’s about the organiza- tional transformation they usher in. As connected gas detection systems elevate safety stan- dards, a parallel narrative emerges: the intricate dance of change management. This journey from basic alarms to sophisticated networks isn’t solely a story of advanced hardware. It’s creating a roadmap for how companies are navigating, adapting, and em- bracing change, ensuring not just the safety of their workforce, but also cultivating a culture that understands, values, and inte- grates these technological leaps. The Importance of Connected Gas Detection Connected safety technology, particularly in the realms of lone worker safety and gas detection, has seen significant advance- ment. It has moved from personal monitors to a sophisticated cloud-connected network of devices. This network offers ad- vanced data analysis and enhanced reporting capabilities. TKC_studio/Shutterstock.com 78 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com Today’s safety measures have vastly improved from the past, where alerts remained local to the worker. In earlier times, when an employee faced a gas hazard, the device might have alerted the user, but if the user couldn’t act, no one else would know. Tragically, this often led to late interventions and devastating outcomes. Now, with the evolution in technology, an immediate alert system ensures that when a high gas concentration is detected or when a worker signals distress, immediate assistance is dis- patched. These systems work 24/7, providing a lifeline to workers in distress, ensuring their safety, and reducing the potential for tragic incidents. “I think corporations are realizing the importance of con- nected technology and investing in the implementation because it provides visibility to improve the safety of the employees both proactively and reactively,” says Ealat Chaachouh, Manager of Client Implementation in North America for Blackline Safety, which offers connected gas detection solutions. “We can provide reporting and visibility on the safety of the employee to drive