In November 2008, Kobussen Buses Ltd. became the first company in central Wisconsin to offer an employer-driven sleep apnea program to all of its employees.

Everyone employed with Kobussen — whether full-time or part-time, bus drivers or office personnel — has been encouraged to participate. Kobussen partnered with Sleep Apnea Solutions Inc. (SAS) of Waukesha, Wis., to institute a voluntary and confidential sleep apnea program to promote employee wellness and help prevent accidents associated with drowsy driving. 

Kobussen’s program consists of interactive group education about sleep apnea, including completion of a sleep apnea risk assessment. Employees shown to be at risk for sleep apnea then meet with a SAS sleep specialist to complete a brief comprehensive sleep evaluation prior to being set up with a home sleep test. The cost of the tests is covered by Kobussen.

To date, close to 300 Kobussen employees have been educated about sleep apnea, 20 percent of those educated have elected to take a home sleep test.

More educational clinics will be offered in 2009 for new hires and employees who were unable to participate in the initial program rollout.