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Fitness for Work Assessment of Candidates with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Fitness for Work Assessment of Candidates with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Updated over 7 months ago

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a significant medical condition that can impact an individual's daily life and work performance, especially in high-risk or safety-critical roles. This article outlines the essential information required from candidates with OSA to determine their suitability for work.

Recent Diagnosis of OSA Syndrome

Requirements for Candidates Recently Diagnosed and Commencing CPAP Therapy

1. Sleep Study Result: Candidates must provide a copy of their sleep study results, if not already supplied to KINNECT.

2. CPAP Trial Data: A minimum of the first 7 days (preferably 10 days, but 7 in exceptional circumstances) of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) trial data is necessary. This data should demonstrate:

  • Compliance: Usage of CPAP for more than 4 hours per night on at least 70% of nights.

  • Efficacy: A reduction in Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) to less than 5 events per hour.

3. Duty of Care and Ongoing Monitoring: KINNECT discharges the duty of care to the employer (e.g., FMG) to verify ongoing adherence and efficacy of the treatment. It is important to note that continuous compliance with the treatment and its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed beyond the initial 1-2 weeks.

4. Health Risk Management Plan: There must be a recommendation for a health risk management plan. The candidate must provide continued evidence of adherence to treatment and its satisfactory outcome, considering the high-risk nature of the role.

Previous Diagnosis of OSA Syndrome Stabilised on Therapy

Requirements for Candidates with Stabilised OSA

1. Sleep Study Report: Candidates must provide a copy of the sleep study report from the time of diagnosis, irrespective of how long ago it was.

2. CPAP Data and Specialist Report:

  • Candidates should submit CPAP download data for the past 3 months. A report from a Sleep Specialist, if available, is also beneficial.

  • The longer duration of data helps in assuring adherence to therapy and its effectiveness in reducing sleepiness, fatigue, or cognitive impairment, especially pertinent in safety-critical roles.

3. Health Management Plan: A health management plan is advisable for ongoing verification of adherence to therapy and ensuring its effectiveness in a high-risk work environment.

4. Additional Considerations: For mild OSA cases, concerns are lower unless there have been significant changes in the candidate's condition (e.g., considerable weight gain). The applicant should be able to provide the required information promptly as the data is already expected to be available.

  • The minimum requirement is 70% usage for more than 4 hours per night and an AHI of less than 5 per hour for the past 3 months.

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