Notice of Safety Advisory 2004-04; Effect of Sleep Disorders on Safety of Railroad Operations

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FRA is issuing Safety Advisory 2004-04 to alert the railroad community, and especially those employees occupying safety-sensitive positions, to the danger associated with degradation of performance resulting from sleep disorders that are undiagnosed or not successfully treated. Alertness (vigilance) and unimpaired cognitive functions are important to the safety of railroad operations. Of particular concern to FRA are those employees who dispatch or operate trains or who inspect and maintain signal systems. Many of these employees work unpredictable schedules and long hours, making it difficult for them to achieve adequate rest even if otherwise healthy. This advisory contains suggested measures that railroads and employees should utilize to prevent work-related errors and on-the-job accidents as a result of sleep disorders.