Truckers are no different than any other worker across America – in the sense that access to top-notch health care is hugely important. But freight haulers have one of the most hazardous jobs you can get, and that is where they’re different than the average worker. Truckers have to deal with a unique set of occupational health challenges: sleep apnea, high blood pressure, depression, obesity – even a potentially greater risk for the swine flu!

In the case of sleep apnea, more trucking companies are voluntarily screening drivers for the disorder. . . and also paying for the cost of treatment. Not too shabby, right? Sleep scientists at Harvard University say that obesity and sleep apnea share a strong link, and that’s why they’re pushing for stronger federal regulation that would require screening for drivers with a high body mass index. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has yet require mandatory sleep apnea testing. Are you one of the lucky ones who get free screenings?

When it comes to the swine flu pandemic, rest assured the federal government is looking out for your health! Truckers are perhaps more susceptible to exposure than the average person because of the mileage they travel. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has outlined steps that cargo truckers can take to prevent getting not just the swine flu, but any kind of flu virus.

No doubt truckers are keeping their eyes peeled to see how President Obama’s effort to reform health care plays out. Obama is urging lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at reducing costs and expanding coverage to millions of the uninsured. If Obama has his way, Americans may also have the option of choosing health insurance provided by the federal government versus what is offered by private insurance companies. How this change will affect the trucking industry’s health insurance remains to be seen.

As the swine flu threat has shown, smart preventative measures aimed at warding off illness in the first place may be the best road to health. So don’t forget to wash your hands next time you exit that rest stop. . .

So what are your thoughts about the quality of health care information or coverage available to truck drivers?