ATA releases the first in a series of health fact sheets.
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has launched a new initiative to raise awareness of important health issues in the trucking industry, starting with obstructive sleep apnoea.
It today released the first in a series of health fact sheets for its members.
Developed in partnership with the Sleep Health Foundation, the first sheet focuses on sleep apnoea, a condition that affects some 40 per cent of Australia’s long distance truck drivers.
The sheet outlines the symptoms, including fatigue and heavy snoring, and the steps drivers can take to diagnose and treat the condition.
“We’ve designed the fact sheets so operators can use them as the basis of a staff briefing or toolbox talk, as well as printing them for the staff noticeboard,” St Clair says.
“New fact sheets will be released to ATA members throughout the year. It’s part of our efforts to make sure that trucking a healthy, safe and professional industry of choice, now and in the future.”
Professor Doug McEvoy from the Sleep Health Foundation says many people with sleep apnoea are unaware of the condition.
“Sleep apnoea has a serious impact on every aspect of a sufferer’s life,” he says, adding that it is treatable.
“We are delighted to partner with the trucking industry for this important awareness initiative, and strongly encourage trucking operators to use these sheets to help improve the health and wellbeing of their workforce.”