New York short line to test, treat employees for sleep apnea

New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA) has begun screening and treating employees for obstructive sleep apnea, the short line announced yesterday.

Nearly 40 NYA locomotive engineers and conductors in New York City and Long Island, New York, will be screened for the disorder. Employees diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea will receive treatment under the support of the railway's medical team, NYA officials said in a press release.

"The detection and remediation of [obstructive sleep disorder] will positively impact employee health and improve employee alertness for safety sensitive jobs," said NYA President James Bonner.

Obstructive sleep disorder causes fragmented sleep that often results in sleepiness and fatigue, and is associated with potentially serious health issues.

NYA is the first U.S. short line to institute an obstructive sleep apnea screening and treatment program, company officials said, citing the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.

NYA connects with Canadian Pacific, CSX, New York New Jersey Rail LLC, Norfolk Southern Railway, Brookhaven Rail Terminal and Providence and Worcester Railroad.