New - Sleep Apnea

FMCSA Regulations Pending / Canadian Transportation Industry Spearheading Own Initiatives

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA:
TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY PROBLEM HAS SOLUTIONS

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. OSA can disrupt restful sleep leading to driver fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness (including falling asleep while driving). OSA has also been associated with other serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, obesity, and diabetes.

Comprehensive research studies have shown that such OSA outcomes have contributed to a significant number of serious roadway accidents resulting in thousands of serious injuries and deaths, and the potential for employer liability. For example, in a 2006 accident year study, 7% of U.S. drivers who were involved in accidents that resulted in 125,000 injuries and 5,200 deaths admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel.

It is estimated that driver sleepiness may contribute to 20% of trucking related accidents. It is also estimated that 1 in 15 Americans suffer from OSA, that 17 million Americans remain untreated, and the cost to the system relating to untreated OSA is $22,712,000,000! Since Canada’s population is 1/10th the size of the U.S., it is reasonable to estimate that the cost to the Canadian system could be $2.2 billion.

The extent of the problem has been so serious in the U.S. that FMCSA is about to regulate mandatory OSA assessment, treatment, and follow-up programs (just as DOT did with mandatory drug and alcohol testing). Screening assessments will be done, followed by diagnostic sleep studies where screening results indicate risk. Treatment must be started, complied with, and successful before a driver will be able to resume driving following confirmation of a diagnosis of OSA. Failure to comply with required assessments, treatment, and follow-up will result in driver disqualification.

To this end, DriverCheck has been working with the Canadian Trucking and Transportation Industry to develop OSA awareness and OSA assessment and treatment program models designed to enhance workplace and roadway safety while satisfying potential FMCSA requirements in the event FMCSA imposes its rules on Canada as it did with drug and alcohol testing.

DriverCheck is committed to helping create a Made-In-Canada solution in order to avoid the imposition of unilateral U.S. rulemakings without FMCSA’s taking Canadian issues into consideration.

DriverCheck has already responded to a number of Canadian employer requests for information regarding OSA programs, and recognizing the importance of affiliated health, safety, lifestyle, and liability issues, some employers are looking to introduce OSA programs now rather than waiting for FMCSA legislation.

As always, we’re here to help. With our comprehensive infrastructure and dedicated teams of healthcare professionals, DriverCheck is already working with our service provider network to satisfy the OSA program needs of the Canadian Trucking and Transportation industry.

If you would like further information about OSA and OSA programs, please speak to your DriverCheck Sales or Customer Service Representative, call us at 1-800-463-4310, or email us at drivercheck@drivercheck.ca.

Regards,
DriverCheck Management