title: Implications of OSA on Work and Work Disability Including Drivers.
abstract: This article illustrates the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the work force and emphasizes that there are public health risks and significant societal financial losses in untreated OSA. Specifics of OSA impact on individuals are discussed with regard to veterans, first responders, farmers, and pilots, specially focusing on commercial vehicle drivers. The pathophysiology of OSA and the consequence of impairment and disability due to OSA on work capacity are introduced. Federal guidelines for occupational-specific recommendations are presented. The health care provider's role in identifying and incorporating effective screening and treatment strategies for workers with sleep apnea is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Environmental Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College Street, 3rd Floor, New Haven, CT 06515, USA. ann.teng@yale.edu
authors.forename: Ann Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Teng
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Won
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001359:Aviation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060731:Emergency Responders; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014728:Veterans; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation