Approximately one third of the adult population suffers from ‘sleep disordered breathing’ (SDB) conditions, with the figure rising to 40% in middle-age.¹   Put simply, at least one in three of your drivers are suffering from some form of SDB.  Significantly, there are clear links between SDB  and a range of negative health effects -- such as heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, depression … and most importantly, poor concentration, slowed reflexes and excessive sleepiness (no matter how much sleep they think they are getting each night.)

In other words, many of your drivers could be walking time bombs, without even knowing it.

And now more than ever, you are obligated to identify and manage this risk.  Under existing occupational health and safety legislation, the truck is considered a workplace and employers will be accountable for the adequate safety of their drivers while driving.  Allowing a driver to operate a vehicle while suffering from SDB would be considered a breach of the relevant laws.

Fortunately, a simple and effective solution is available. 

In certain cases, a team from The Sleep Therapy Clinics may be able to visit your premises and conduct a detailed, confidential assessment of your drivers to check for the existence of sleep disorders.  Using highly advanced screening procedures and diagnostic technology, they will be able to determine which of your driver’s are likely to be suffering from a sleep disorder, and to what degree they are suffering from the condition.

There would be no cost to you nor your employees.  We will explain the forms of treatment available and provide a referral to the relevant specialists if required.

Recent developments in the treatment of sleep disorders mean than many people can be treated very simply, effectively and comfortably – without the need for surgery, and without the need for pumps and masks.   Sleep disorders are classified as 'notifiable conditions' for all licensing authorities.  Successful treatment of the condition means your drivers will be able to continue driving -- whereas an untreated condition will result in hefty fines, disqualification of licence, and potentially much worse.

This free-screening opportunity will give your employees the chance to check and improve their sleep health – so that you enjoy better productivity, less accidents and insurance claims, happier workers, and peace of mind knowing that you have responsibly adhered to the occupational health and safety legislation.

To arrange an on-site assessment session for your drivers, click here or call 1800 00 9343 and ask for the Manager - Professional Services.

1.          Source: British Medical Journal Mar 1997: 314- 0