Appropriate Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Be
A Cost
Savings to the Employer
A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM)
May 2010 issue revealed that “Health plan costs were significantly lower in both the first and second years after treatment. Short-term disability metrics also exhibited favorable results, with approximately half as
many using the benefit, lower costs, and fewer missed workdays in the post period.” Therefore, “effective
treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in drivers is associated with lower health care and disability costs
and fewer missed workdays.”
NYS Labor Law Code 60
The NYS Workers’ Compensation Law was amended in 2007 to provide employers
additional incentives to implement safety and loss prevention programs. The program provides
a mechanism for employers to
receive a reduction in workers’ compensation costs for implementing a Safety Incentive Program, a Drug
and Alcohol Prevention Program and a Return to Work Program.
Industrial Medical Associates, P.C. has many years of experience returning employees
safely back to
work and substance abuse testing. We are prepared to help you meet the requirements of Labor Law 60.
To review Labor Law 60, visit the web @
www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/safetyhealth/PDFS/Final_Safety&Loss_Prevention_Incentive_Regs.pdf
From the Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance
"DIRECT OBSERVATION FOR FOLLOW-UP AND RETURN-TO-DUTY TESTING"
Department of Transportation Final Rule:
Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs.
This Final Rule makes Direct Observation collection procedures mandatory for all return-to-duty and follow-up drug testing.
This provision had been stayed by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; but that stay was lifted on July 1, 2009, following the Court’s unanimous decision to uphold the Department’s position in this matter.
This amendment, therefore, restores the language of 49 CFR 40.67(b) to the version that became a final rule on June 25,2008.
The Final Rule’s effective date is August 31, 2009.
Jim L. Swart , Director
Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance
U.S. Department of Transportation
www.federalregister.gov for more information.
Trade Release
June 22, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999
OSHA offers tips on working safely in hot weather
WASHINGTON -- Those hot, hazy days of summer are approaching. The heat can be especially harmful
for those who work outdoors in direct sunlight or in hot environments, making them susceptible to heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke.
"Working in extreme temperatures is not only uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening," said acting
Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "As we move into the summer months, it is
important for workers and their employers to minimize the chances of heat-induced illnesses, and
imperative that they recognize the signs of heat stress and take proper precautions to reduce the
chances of illness or death."
For the full article, please click here to visit the OSHA website.
