Wal Mart cell phone policy

I know of what I speak even though I no longer drive for Walmart I stay in touch with all my buddies who do. I had a conversation 2 days ago with a driver from 6819 who has been put on the sleep apnea machine by walmart. When your DOT physical is due now walmart has them measure your neck and run a BMI (body mass index) on you. If you fall within walmarts, not DOT's, window you HAVE to go on the machine or lose your job. No BS here. They are advertising for drivers in the local paper for the first time that I can remember because they cannot find drivers. Very odd.

 

This is true for the new hires. If you fit in their perimeters you have to have the sleep test to be considered for employment. But they are not forcing people to go on machines. If you have sleep apnea then you have to use the machine but if you have sleep apnea shouldn't you go on the machine for your own well being?

 

Once again, I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE! When your DOT physical is due at 6819, new hire or old hand, you have your neck measured and your BMI run. If your neck measures over 17 inches and your BMI is outside of Walmarts specs you are being made to sleep with the apnea machine. Not only that but they can see if you are using it at night, and they do check. The company they have contracted with does this for them. If you refuse to go on the machine or use the machine when sleeping you will be terminated.

 

Gizmo is right about this...

 

You are completely right Cal. This is a fed policy coming down the pike and as usual, wal mart wants to be first and go beyond the ruling...for safety sake If you meet the criteria, you will have to go for a sleep apnea test before you can get your health clearance. ( I think overweight...height to width and body mass measurement figures in on this also) If you are positive, you will receive a one month card and will receive a one year card after a report from your sleep therapist and family doctor is received showing you are set up properly on your sleep machine and getting regular check ups. You will be coded on your license and you must have the CPAP in your truck at all times. Safety will be spot checking this...terminating offense. They have not set a definite time but probably the last half of this year. Also, blood pressure levels have been lowered. Diabetes will only get three to six month Physical cards. You figure...this puts a strain and financial liability on the company...uno what I mean

 

I had my physical in Dec and I know of drivers taking a physical in the last week and their necks were not measured by the doctors at 6817. This may be a request by your GTM or safety or the policy the doctors for your DC has taken. And yes, drivers that are on the machine are being monitored that they are being used. This is big money for the doctors and the company selling these machines.

 

How does Wal-Mart know you're talking in the phone?

 

Most DCs don't know, there are a few that are conducting random audits. The thing is, if there is an incident/accident and records are requested and they show you have been violating the company policy, you have just given them a reason to dismiss you. I am sure there are drivers that push the given guidlines, but they are taking chances.

 

Ok but is Wal-Mart asking for cell phone bills in the audit?

 

Yes. You have to be able to provide records.