#Japan #Tokyo #Hitachi Automotive #Wellnee Sleep #driver health

Hitachi Automotive Transportation's Commitment to Driver Health

Hitachi Automotive Transportation Co., based in Adachi, Tokyo, is enhancing its efforts in health management and safety through the introduction of Wellnee Sleep, a sleep monitoring device provided by NextLink. This initiative is a response to the increasing trend of health-related accidents in the bus industry, particularly as the workforce ages. By collecting extensive sleep data, such as instances of apnea and sleep movement, the company aims to improve driver health awareness and implement preventive measures against accidents.

Addressing Industry Challenges

As the bus industry faces a growing number of accidents linked to driver health, Hitachi Automotive has prioritized the integration of sleep assessment tools ahead of its competitors. While the company has successfully operated without health-related incidents in the past, it recognizes the necessity for precise and user-friendly products to mitigate future risks. The decision to adopt Wellnee Sleep arose from a need for a system that is easy to utilize and provides accurate monitoring of drivers’ sleep patterns.

Transitioning from Old Equipment

Previously, the company utilized a less effective device that required a one-week measurement period, complicated by several issues:

• - The device would lose its calibration if it shifted during sleep.
• - It caused discomfort, disrupting the sleep cycle.
• - The lengthy measurement time posed significant burdens on employees.
• - Data could only be viewed via PC-specific software, complicating management.

In contrast, Wellnee Sleep can be worn comfortably over clothing with a rubber belt, ensuring a seamless sleeping experience. It also offers cloud-based data management, enabling easy access to comprehensive metrics, including respiratory pauses and movement during sleep, making it an ideal solution for Hitachi Automotive.

Employee Reception and Feedback

Initially concerned about sharing devices, employees quickly adapted to the Wellnee Sleep system given its user-friendly design. Reports from users reveal that many forgot they were even wearing the monitors. The device's capacity to capture subtle aspects of sleep—like the frequency and direction of movements, as well as time taken to fall asleep—has been well received, uncovering health insights that employees were previously unaware of. Some who assumed they were not affected by sleep apnea found themselves prompted to seek medical advice after reviewing the data.

Fostering Dialogue on Health

The implementation of Wellnee Sleep has fostered fruitful discussions between drivers and operational managers about sleep health. Managers are now capable of evaluating a driver’s sleep data and offering specific recommendations for improvement or medical consultations, creating a stronger culture of health and safety awareness within the workplace. This engagement not only aims to prevent health-related accidents but also enhances the overall safety consciousness among all staff members.

Building Trust Through Health Management

Corporate leadership has gained a deeper understanding of the value of driver health and sleep management through this initiative. The organization has secured certifications including ‘Safety Bus’ and ‘Well-Designed Workplace,’ reinforcing its commitment to creating a secure working environment. Efforts such as promoting sleep monitoring programs during recruitment sessions also highlight the company's dedication to fostering a safe and conducive work atmosphere in the bus industry.

Future Aspirations and Developments

Currently, Hitachi Automotive is working on establishing a structured system allowing all employees to undergo annual sleep assessments. The company aims to standardize this process for new hires as part of its mission to maintain zero health-related accidents. As one spokesperson emphasized, “Health management serves as a win-win for both the company and its employees, and it’s vital for our customers to be aware of our efforts in eliminating health-related incidents.”

For further details on Wellnee Sleep, please refer to our product information page. It is important to note that Wellnee Sleep serves not as a medical device for diagnosis or treatment but as a tool for regular health monitoring and condition assessment.