Citation

Kirkendoll KD, Heaton K. Workplace Health Saf. 2018; 66(7): 348-355.

Affiliation

University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

10.1177/2165079918759117

PMID

29927363

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition characterized by occlusion of the upper airway during sleep resulting in daytime sleepiness. Drivers with OSA are at a two- to sevenfold increase in risk of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Approximately, 13% to 28% of commercial motor vehicle drivers (CMVDs) are thought to have OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea is a significant issue in the transportation industry. Currently, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) does not mandate OSA screening. Federal regulations only specify that CMVDs be free of "respiratory dysfunction" that would impair driving. Untreated OSA is a public safety concern. The purpose of this article is to use Bardach's eightfold policy analysis approach to examine policy options related to OSA screening in the trucking industry.

Language: en

Keywords

commercial motor vehicle driver; mandated testing; motor vehicle crashes; obstructive sleep apnea; policy analysis; public safety