The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is requesting public comment on proposed content for a survey of truck drivers' safety and health. The goal is to collect information on sleep disorders, fatigue, working conditions, and nonfatal injuries.

According to NIOSH, about 1.6 million U.S. workers are employed as heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers. Their on-the-job fatality rate is 11 times the rate for the general worker population. Previous studies have shown truck drivers to be at increased risk for low-back pain, heart attack, hypertension, ulcers, several cancers, and premature mortality. Fatigue and sleep apnea have been associated with truck crashes and may contribute to other chronic conditions.

As part of its investigation, NIOSH will design and pilot a test survey of self-reported data. It will be conducted at 40 truck stops across the United States. To read the proposed content and comment, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/110. Comments can be sent through January 2, 2008.

[Source: OSHA Compliance Advisor. Subscribe today!]