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safety culture change, and also improve workflflow safety process, as well as the au- tomation and compliance within corpora- tions.” Connected gas detection technology isn’t limited to just one kind of industry or a specific company size. Chaachouh notes her company’s technology has been implemented in more than 15 industries, including oil and gas, biotech, pharma, utilities, transportation and logistics. The size of the companies using con- nected gas detection ranges as much as the type, Chaachouh notes. “The clients that we serve range from five to 10 employees to thousands of employees; local companies in small towns or cities, up to global cor- porations that are adopting our safety solu- tion,” she says. “So it’s a very wide range.” Change Management in Connected Gas Detection At its core, change management is not just a sequence of actions or a checklist. As Chaa- chouh explains, it’s a holistic process in- volving everyone in an organization, from the frontline user of a gas detection device to the executive leadership. More than just “doing things differently,” it’s about fostering understanding and buy-in at every level.” This comprehensive approach ad- dresses the human side of technology transitions. While change is a constant, it often generates discomfort. Chaachouh acknowledges the human resistance to change, stating, “The one thing that we can guarantee is that things constantly change, but I also understand the human side of it; that it is uncomfortable for people to change,” she says. Navigating those changes, especially when introducing novel technologies, re- quires meticulous planning, communica- tion, and training. Some examples of the steps involved: ■ Communicating in advance what changes are coming. ■ Explaining why this change is required and the benefits of it. ■ Understanding the nature and quality of training that’s required and ensuring that end users have all the training they need. ■ Creating frequently asked questions, and documentation. Those approaches help ensure there’s that full understanding and adoption, but the key in that process is conveying the “why” behind a change. Chaachouh ref- erences Simon Sinek’s book titled “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action.” In this book, Sinek introduces the idea that hinges on communicating “why” they do what they do, rather than just “what” they do or “how” they do it. Starting with the “why” resonates more with people and is a more effective way to inspire and lead. “Understanding ‘why’ a change is hap- pening can mitigate resistance,” she em- phasizes. “It’s not just about knowing what is changing, but grasping the purpose be- hind it.” Moreover, to support these shiftfts, especially when integrating new tech- nologies like connected gas detection, a critical tool comes into play: change man- agement. Change management ensures a smooth transition, aiding organizations in anticipating potential roadblocks, ad- dressing them proactively, and ultimately ensuring successful implementation. MAXimizing Health & Safety Guaranteed. INDUSTRIAL VACUUM CLEANERS Portable • Continuous-Duty • Central Systems VAC-U-MAX offers a full range of ATEX certified, compressed-air operated, industrial vacuum cleaners for flammable liquid, combustible dust & reactive powder. Fill out RFQ at vac-u-max.com/vacuum. Flammable Liquid Combustible Dust Food / Pharma 30-Gallon VAC-U-MAX.COM Combustible Dust 55-Gallon Combustible Dust 15-Gallon (800) VAC-U-MAX COMPRESSED AIR OPERATED Reactive Metal Powder www.ohsonline.com OCTOBER 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 79