Unique, full service program provides fleet solutions and better quality of life to drivers
The Canadian Trucking Alliance, in partnership with OSA Canada Inc., is launching a first-of-its-kind pilot in Canada to deliver a full service sleep apnea program to commercial truck drivers. Where ever you are located in the country, OSA Canada will visit your terminal to screen, test and diagnose drivers as well as equip and train identified drivers with sleep apnea to use their CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) treatment machine and mask — all within 72 hours or less.
OSA Canada Inc. will provide ongoing monitoring of the CPAP equipment to ensure both driver comfort and compliance. Companies will not only know they are providing drivers with a tool to mitigate the negative impacts associated with sleep apnea; they will know that this tool is being properly used. For a monthly fee, the OSA Canada program will offer companies and drivers all the requirements of the Canadian medical and legal community – creating a turnkey solution for both management and drivers.
“The OSA Canada program will offer a turnkey solution for fleets whose commercial drivers are dealing with the challenges of sleep apnea,” said Mark Sylvia, president, OSA. “Carriers will never have to worry about access to sleep beds, CPAP machines breaking down or drivers having difficulty finding the right mask; equipment will be replaced and re-fitted no questions asked.”
Part of the strength of OSA Canada Inc. includes the involvement of Precision Pulmonary Diagnostics LLC in helping to deliver and monitor the therapy being provided to drivers under the program. PPD has screened over 40,000 truck drivers for trucking companies, including Schneider National and Swift Transportation (See testimonial appendix below). They have also provided and monitored the therapy program for over 3,000 drivers who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
“We at PPD are very happy to provide our unmatched experience and expertise in the delivery of the OSA Canada program. With our involvement, clients of OSA Canada can be assured from day one they will be dealing with a full service sleep apnea solution team that is driver-focused and on standby to assist 24-7,” said Dr. Mark Berger, president PPD and senior medical advisor to OSA Canada. “Our years of experience have helped us to understand the issues and concerns of trucking managers and their drivers.
In 2012, the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and Medical Review Board adopted 11 recommendations related to sleep apnea in the trucking industry, which includes requiring all drivers with a body mass index measurement of 35 or higher to be tested for the condition.
Since 2010, CTA has been working with various partners, including its group benefits provider Group Health, to put a Canadian sleep apnea program together in anticipation of a possible regulatory requirement in the Unites States.
“FMCSA took a significant step toward potential regulation of the screening and treatment of drivers at risk for obstructive sleep apnea,” said CTA CEO David Bradley. “Although it may still take some time for this regulation to materialize, the Canadian Trucking Alliance has been working on a solution for all Canadian carriers regardless of where they are domiciled — the creation of OSA Canada has provided that solution.”
Beyond regulatory compliance, OSA Canada shares data with potential customers showing on-road performance improvements of fleets using sleep apnea programs along with driver retention and other operating reduction cost benefits. For those who would like to become a part of the pilot and arrange a scheduled visit by OSA Canada please e-mail Sandy Pollock, Manager of Sleep Services at spollock@osacan.com or call her at 289-337-8892. Pilot participants receive a reduced fee for their participation. For more information on this project you can contact your provincial trucking association contact outlined below:
Alberta Motor Transport Association: 800-267-1003
Atlantic Trucking Provinces Association: 866-866-1679
B.C. Trucking Association: Louise Yako at 604.888.5319 ext. 214
Manitoba Trucking Association: 204-632.6600
Ontario Trucking Association: Joanne Benac at 416-249-7401 ext. 230
Saskatchewan Trucking Association: Al Rosseker:1-800-563-7623 or Hilary Dove
at 306-569-9696 ext. 221
SOURCE: Canadian Trucking Alliance
mailto:Deanna.Pagnan@ontruck.org
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