The Recipe for a Successful Fatigue Management Program

By Rodolfo Giacoman, Fatigue Management Specialist, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance 

When describing what it takes for a motor carrier to build a successful fatigue management program, I like to compare it to preparing a meal. Hours-of-service regulations are like the kitchen where the meal is made; establishing a safety culture is like the salt that makes the meal palatable; creating a fatigue risk management system is like the heat that transforms the ingredients; scheduling principles are like the carbs that provide quick energy; fatigue management technologies are like the fats that nourish core functions; education and training are like the protein that is the main dish, giving the meal its structure. The meal is made complete with the drink that washes everything down smoothly: a sleep disorders management program (SDMP).

Implementing an SDMP requires proper guidance and commitment. A good place to start is with CVSA’s North American Fatigue Management Program (NAFMP) eLearning platform, which has two courses on implementing an SDMP – module 7 for motor carriers and module 8 for drivers. The PowerPoint slides for both modules are available at www.nafmp.org/training/powerpoint-downloads. 

A return-on-investment calculator is also available at nafmp.org. This tool factors the costs and benefits of screening and treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common sleep disorder among commercial motor vehicle drivers. 

Additionally, NAFMP offers an implementation manual which includes a case study of OSA programs established by two leading U.S. motor carriers along with sleep apnea providers who work with commercial drivers (Chapter 6). One of those providers is SleepSafe Drivers. 

On May 4, I was joined by SleepSafe Drivers President and CEO Adrian Knight and Vice President of Corporate Health and Safety Solutions Mary Convey to produce a webinar titled, “A Motor Carrier’s Guide to Establishing a Sleep Disorders Management Program.” If you haven’t already done so, please watch it to find out how an SDMP may result in medical cost savings, a reduction in crashes and increased driver retention. 

This and previous webinars are available at www.nafmp.org/webinars. I also encourage you to read Convey’s article (below) which explains how a major recall of respiratory devices is affecting commercial vehicle drivers who are undergoing OSA treatment. 

May you find the NAFMP recipe useful in creating a well-rounded fatigue management program that nourishes the health and safety of your drivers and satisfies their productivity appetite.