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YRC Glen Moore participates in sleep apnea study to help improve driver safety [09.02.2009]
YRC Glen Moore participates in sleep apnea study to help improve driver safety
Story highlights:
-YRC Glen Moore and driver volunteers show safety leadership
-Proper diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea is a safety issue
-Study focuses on lowering costs to diagnose and reducing lifestyle disruptions associated with traditional testing for sleep apnea
-Interested YRC Glen Moore drivers can volunteer
Up to 30 YRC Glen Moore drivers will participate in a study to improve the diagnosis and treatment of a condition that affects sleep quality. YRC Glen Moore is one of several organizations selected to sponsor research on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in commercial drivers.
OSA is a sleep disorder that is now considered a significant health and safety concern among commercial drivers. Undiagnosed and untreated, OSA causes daytime sleepiness and other health-related risks.
A treatable condition
Many drivers are either completely unaware that they may have OSA, or are afraid that if diagnosed, they may be disqualified from driving.
“Our position is that this is a treatable medical condition that, once treated properly, puts a much more alert and safer driver on the highway,” explains Mark Respass, senior director of safety and compliance for YRC Glen Moore.
Cost and lifestyle issues
The study is focused on lowering costs related to OSA diagnosis while reducing lifestyle disruptions for drivers during testing.
Currently, Medicare covers the cost of ambulatory testing for OSA, but most medical insurance companies do not. This study is expected to confirm that ambulatory testing costs significantly less than the traditional full in-lab study and is a very cost-effective means of testing commercial drivers.
In addition to cost savings, ambulatory testing allows for the testing of drivers in their sleeper berths and around their work schedules, making for a much happier and productive driver.
The research program is designed to accommodate the driver while he or she is on their 34-hour restart. Results are generally known at the conclusion of the test.
If OSA is confirmed, a driver can be fitted with a treatment device right away and return to driving. The treatment devices are known as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machines.
The study is titled “Developing an Algorithm for the use of Ambulatory Devices for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea in Commercial Drivers.” The medical office that performs the company’s pre-employment and recertification physicals and drug screens referred YRC Glen Moore for the study. Because this is a research study, there is no cost or expense to Glen Moore to participate.
Up to 30 YRC Glen Moore drivers can volunteer
David Burleson, YRC Glen Moore safety and training manager, is coordinating the company’s participation in the study. David is working closely with The Sleep Association of East Tennessee and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Eisenstadt, who is leading the project. Currently, 17 drivers are participating, with a goal of 30 drivers in the study as soon as possible.
To participate, interested YRC Glen Moore drivers must contact David Burleson at 800-999-2671, ext. 8225. Drivers accepted into the study will bear no cost for ambulatory testing and equipment and will be monitored their first 12 months in the program.
Convoy For A Cure
YRC Glen Moore team drivers Clarence and Terry Burdette Davis participated in the first United States Convoy For a Cure, on October 24, 2009. The event took place at Willie’s Place Truck Stop in Carl’s Corner, TX. more>
