The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), together with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), will hold three public listening sessions to solicit information on the prevalence of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among individuals occupying safety sensitive positions in transportation, and of its potential safety consequences.
FMCSA also requests information on potential costs and benefits from possible regulatory actions that address the safety risks associated with motor carrier workers in safety sensitive positions who have OSA.
The listening sessions follow the March advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting data and information regarding the prevalence of moderate-to-severe OSA in trucking.
Individuals who have undiagnosed OSA are often unaware they have experienced periods of sleep interrupted by breathing difficulties. Undiagnosed or inadequately treated moderate to severe OSA can cause unintended sleep episodes and resulting deficits in attention, concentration, situational awareness, and memory, thus reducing the capacity to safely respond to hazards when performing safety sensitive duties, according to FMCSA. Therefore, OSA is a critical safety issue that can affect operations in all modes of travel in the transportation industry.
The listening sessions will be held on:
- Thursday, May 12 in Washington
- Tuesday, May 17, in, Chicago; and
- Wednesday, May 25 in Los Angeles
All sessions will run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., local time. The meetings will also be webcast.
Additional details are available in the April 28 Federal Register notice.
