The Sleep Apnea and Trucking Conference 2010 , sponsored by The American Sleep Apnea Association and co-sponsored by the FMCSA and the ATA, began discussions on the concerns of fatigue on truck drivers. Citing that fatigue is a major problem among truckers, it was also noted that the medical condition, sleep apnea, is a major contributor to fatigue. The FMCSA and the National Sleep Foundation along with the ATA have initiated an awareness campaign called “Get on the Road to Better Health: Recognizing the Dangers of Sleep Apnea.”
Although fatigue is an issue within trucking, much of a drivers fatigue which they experience, is due to the fact that many shippers and receivers do not keep their scheduled appointment times, thus cutting into the drivers allotted rest period. Another problem which many drivers complain about is the fact that dispatchers will push drivers to pick up or deliver, even when the driver indicates that he/she is tired.
A quote from the Sleep Apnea and Trucking Conference Page suggest that there is a lack of industry-specific research, " While some progress is being made, much misinformation, policy confusion, and a lack of industry-specific research have prevented further progress on this important health and safety issue"
While the final plans for sleep apnea testing for truck drivers play out, present discussion is pointing to the possibilities of having drivers tested for the condition, who have a body mass index of 30 or higher. The FMCSA is wanting testing done when a driver’s BMI is at least 30, while the Sleep Apnea Medical Expert Panel is recommending testing at the 33 level. Although a date for the new requirements have not been announced, it is noted that there are still much needed discussion on how to handle various aspects of the proposed initiative. One aspect being who exactly will be responsible for paying for the testing : the trucking company or the truck driver? Don Osterberg, Senior V. P. of safety for Schneider National points out that the total cost for sleep apnea testing will run around $3500, with about $2,000 for the sleep study and $1,500 for the equipment.
As per our previous post on the Ask The Trucker blog from July 14th, 2009, "Will Sleep Apnea Test be New Regulation for Trucking? " where the future of sleep apnea testing for truckers was discussed, talks are now in the works again for truckers to face another regulation in relationship to trucking safety. As a concerned driver, you can check your BMI to see where you would stand in this issue.
Although the roll-out date is still in question, R. Clay Porter, a partner at Dennis, Corry, Porter & Smith, LLP, pointed out that while sleep apnea has not yet become a major player in the realm of truck litigation, he also said that it is “going to be part of this legal landscape sooner rather than later.”
Comments
Interesting they would claim there's no 'truck driver-specific' research regarding this issue, as the ATA's been claiming that the 1998 study they arranged thru the ATRI and, I believe, the Univ of Pittsburgh is their 'proof'. This study was discounted by FMCSA way back then as not indicative of much of anything. The study was later republished with the same results but this time, FMCSA decided it was an issue-no doubt because a member of the National Sleep Foundation (heavily funded by CPAP manufacturers) sat on the Medical Review Board.I have the study-and it really shows to be heavily weighted toward testing specific drivers already suspected of Apnea. The study shows far fewer drivers diagnosed with moderate or severe apnea than the numbers touted by the ATA. Actually, disrupted sleep cause by job requirements is a far larger problem. But the REAL issue driving this entire fiasco is to cut insurance costs! It's a scam!Read the Precision Pulmonary website carefully-it's there.
Funny they don't mention anything about drivers pay being a factor in bad way of life and or bad quality foods...Hummm Looks like drivers are going to either wind up DEMANDING more pay or going on strike. Hay DOT which one do ya wanna see??? And then the public is going to DEMAND who's paying you guys under the table. It's a WIN-WIN if ya ask me.
Maybe this is just another window of opportunity for the trial lawyers.
Although it does tout safety for the roadways, it begins by stating: "By enhancing professional driver/operator safety and health we aim to help employers improve their bottom line." Uh-huh.
I blame 90% of the problems on truck drivers. We can put a stop to it all if drivers would say enough is enough .The Gov keeps on putting more regs on us because they know that drivers are not going to do anything.What is it going to take to stand up and call your Gov leaders.Our wages are lower, companys wants drivers to stay gone longer from home.I've been driving for 24yrs there is so much that has changed .I use to take home over a $1000's a week now iam lucky to take $600 home.I can't believe that drivers drive 1000's of miles a week and let the companies take miles a way from you ,thanks to good old computer miles.Sitting around shipper and recievers for free waiting on loads for long periods of time for free.The list goes on and on.I do agree with the medical regs because we have alot of drivers that needs o be taken off the road due to obesity and other medical reasons. The stress is so hard on drivers to day thats one of the reasons drivers don't get along.Stand up and say no.
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