Employers Urged to Test Staff for Sleep Apnoea to Enhance Workplace Safety
Employers are being encouraged to implement screening programmes for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) among their workforce, according to a new study. Research conducted by experts in the United Kingdom and the United States highlights that undiagnosed OSA could pose significant safety risks in certain occupations, particularly those involving driving or operating heavy machinery.
Substantial Economic Impact and Productivity Losses
The analysis estimates that OSA is responsible for annual productivity losses of up to £4.2 billion in the UK alone. This staggering figure stems from absenteeism and reduced work efficiency among affected employees. Approximately 7% of working-age adults in the UK meet the criteria for OSA, with each worker potentially losing around £1,840 per year due to the condition.
Professor Matt Lechner from University College London, a lead author of the study, emphasised the need for action. "Given the significant yet often-overlooked burden of OSA syndrome and its economic impact, we urge policymakers to allocate resources towards developing an effective screening strategy and implementing targeted public health campaigns and policies," he stated.
High Prevalence and Underdiagnosis
Obstructive sleep apnoea affects an estimated eight million people in Britain, yet about 85% of cases remain undiagnosed. The condition involves the throat walls relaxing and narrowing during sleep, leading to symptoms such as loud snoring, choking noises, and frequent awakenings. These disruptions result in excessive daytime fatigue, mood swings, and concentration difficulties, which can compromise workplace safety and performance.
The study utilised data from the 2021 census to assess the economic repercussions of OSA. By analysing missed workdays and diminished productivity, researchers underscored the potential for substantial savings through early identification and treatment.
Targeted Screening for High-Risk Occupations
The research advocates for trialling screening programmes in roles where daytime sleepiness carries heightened risks. Professions such as train drivers, pilots, surgeons, and professional drivers are specifically mentioned. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence already recommends rapid assessment for OSA in these groups, but the study notes a lack of comprehensive data on occupational consequences.
Professor Lechner elaborated on the proposed approach: "Sleep apnoea can now be easily identified and recently described tools can identify high-risk occupations. Importantly, treatment options for individuals with OSA are also improving. We suggest the time is now approaching for a trial of workplace screening in an exemplar high-risk occupational group."
Treatment Options and Employment Guarantees
Primary treatment for OSA typically involves continuous positive airway pressure (Cpap) machines, which deliver pressurised air via a mask during sleep. However, these devices can be uncomfortable for some users. Recent advancements include the approval of weight loss injection Mounjaro in the US as a treatment for OSA.
The research team also addressed potential concerns among workers, warning that some may fear penalties if diagnosed. They recommend that any successful screening programme should incorporate employment guarantees to encourage participation. A spokesperson for the Sleep Apnoea Trust echoed this sentiment, stating: "It is very important that workplaces support their employees by not penalising them if they come forward, and that employers make the necessary adjustments while employees go through the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment."
By implementing targeted screening and supportive policies, employers could not only enhance safety but also realise significant economic benefits through improved workforce health and productivity.
