UPDATE: The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and TruckSafe are urging the Federal Government to implement bulk billing for overnight sleep apnoea tests for truck drivers and other safety-critical workers. This critical request comes as the National Transport Commission (NTC) reviews health screening standards for commercial vehicle drivers.
JUST ANNOUNCED: ATA chair Mark Parry and TruckSafe chair Paul Fellows jointly submitted a proposal to the NTC, emphasizing the urgent need for preventative health measures. Their submission highlights that the current medical standards fail to address significant health risks, including obstructive sleep apnoea, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
The alarming statistics reveal that 41% of long-distance truck drivers in Australia suffer from sleep apnoea, a condition where the upper airway becomes obstructed during sleep, leading to severe fatigue. Parry stated, “The case for acting on sleep apnoea is compelling. Our submission documents its toll of deaths, serious injuries, and ruined lives.”
Currently, the cost of confirming a sleep apnoea diagnosis is a major barrier for drivers. An overnight sleep study can cost up to $1,500, leaving drivers with an out-of-pocket expense of approximately $997.60 after the Medicare rebate. This financial burden prevents many from seeking necessary treatment. The most effective intervention involves using CPAP machines, which cost around $2,000 and require further follow-ups for calibration.
Parry and Fellows are advocating for the government to incentivize sleep clinics to bulk bill these essential tests for truck drivers. Additionally, they propose a long-term loan scheme for CPAP machines, similar to programs in New Zealand.
Fellows stressed that any changes must protect drivers’ employment. He explained, “The screening tests highlight if further investigation is needed. They are not diagnostic.” He insists that drivers referred to specialists should retain their driving privileges, provided they schedule timely appointments.
Moreover, the ATA and TruckSafe submission calls for enhanced information dissemination about high-risk medical conditions to drivers, employers, and healthcare professionals. TruckSafe has previously led initiatives to improve driver health awareness and is now introducing a new health management system that includes sample policies for worker wellness.
Parry also emphasized the need for a nationwide health screening campaign led by Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds. He proposed an annual funding of $1 million over four years to deliver 16,000 health screenings and distribute essential health resources to 40,000 drivers.
The push for these critical health measures is a timely reminder of the intersection between driver health and road safety. As the NTC reviews these standards, the outcome could significantly impact the trucking industry and the wellbeing of drivers across Australia.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as authorities move to address these urgent health concerns in the trucking sector.
