Elimination of unfair-discrimination, promotion of equal opportunity, fair treatment, safe working environment as well as management of HIV and TB in the world of work are but some of the aspects that will receive an added boost if the revised HIV code and Technical Assistance Guidelines are anything to go by, a meeting heard in Polokwane on Tuesday.
In his address to stakeholders from business, labour, government and representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) during the employment equity road show, Niresh Singh, from department of Labour’s Employment Equity’s Directorate said the stigma around HIV and TB often led to unfair discrimination against those living with the disease.
Singh said it was time employers became accommodative by adapting existing facilities to make them more accessible to those affected, re-organise workstations, adapting existing equipment, changing training, restructuring jobs so that non-essential functions are assigned and moreover, providing training and support.
“An employee with HIV may not be dismissed on the basis of their status and when that employee has become too ill to perform their current work, an employer is obliged to explore alternative,” Singh said.
He said employers must provide care and support to their employees and their dependents living with HIV and Aids related illnesses and ensure that they have access to treatment to remain healthy and productive at work.
He said employers are obliged to keep information, including medical records and HIV status private.
Singh said measures must be taken by employers to ensure that work places are safe by assuming that any employee may be potentially infected with HIV and the manage possible risks of HIV transmission through infection control measures.
The road show will continue in Welkom (Free State) and Pietermaritzburg (KZN) on 4 September and proceed to Bloemfontein and Durban the following day.
Enquiries:
Johannes Mokou
Cell: 082 909 1833
Department of Labour urges business to accommodate those with HIV in the workplace
