UPDATE: The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and TruckSafe have urgently called on the Federal Government to implement bulk billing for overnight sleep apnoea tests specifically for truck drivers and other safety-critical workers. This plea comes as part of a joint submission to the National Transport Commission (NTC), aimed at enhancing health screening standards for commercial vehicle operators.
The NTC is currently reviewing medical standards to include better screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders. “The ATA has argued for many years that commercial standards should encompass preventative screening for key health risks to road safety,” stated ATA chair Mark Parry.
The submission highlights that 41% of Australian long-distance truck drivers suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, a serious condition that can lead to fatal accidents if untreated. “The case for acting on sleep apnoea is compelling. Our submission documents its toll of deaths, serious injuries, and ruined lives,” Parry added.
Currently, the cost of an overnight sleep study can reach up to $1,500, with drivers facing out-of-pocket expenses of about $997.60 after the Medicare rebate. The most effective treatment, a CPAP machine, costs approximately $2,000 and requires regular calibration appointments.
To address these financial burdens, the ATA and TruckSafe propose that the government incentivize sleep clinics to bulk bill these crucial tests for truck drivers. “The government should also fund a long-term loan scheme for CPAP machines, similar to the one in New Zealand,” said Parry.
TruckSafe chair Paul Fellows emphasized the importance of these changes for protecting drivers’ jobs. “The screening tests highlight if further investigation is needed but are not diagnostic,” he explained. He also urged that amendments be made to allow drivers referred to specialists to continue driving, provided they schedule timely appointments.
Fellows noted the necessity for comprehensive information regarding high-risk medical conditions for drivers, employers, and healthcare providers. This initiative builds on TruckSafe’s legacy of promoting health information in the industry since the 1990s.
In addition, the ATA’s submission calls for a nationwide health screening campaign led by Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds. The campaign would require an annual budget of $1 million over four years, aiming to provide 16,000 health screenings and distribute critical health resources, including mental health information, to 40,000 drivers.
As discussions progress, the urgency surrounding the health of truck drivers remains a pressing issue for road safety in Australia. With lives at stake, immediate action is essential.
Stay tuned for more updates as this vital public health matter unfolds.
