MTA expands testing for sleep apnea after fatal 2013 Metro-North derailment at Spuyten Duyvil.
The MTA is offering sleep screenings for more employees in charge of moving commuter trains.
(JAMES KEIVOM/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)
“This program helps us identify workers who may be at risk for sleep apnea, ensure they receive appropriate treatment, and ultimately create a safer MTA,” Gov. Cuomo said.
The engineer in charge of the deadly derailment at Spuyten Duyvil was suffering from sleep apnea, causing the MTA to investigate the disorder for more and more train staff.
(MARK BONIFACIO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)
The MTA is seeking a medical firm to handle the screenings.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board recommended that all commuter railroad engineers get the sleep test.
“Although it is not required by regulation, the MTA recognizes the safety benefits of sleep apnea screening and treatment,” MTA Chief Safety Officer David Mayer said. “Our pilot program worked well at Metro-North Railroad, and because of this success we are looking forward to extending this safety program to employees elsewhere within the MTA.”
