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Articles: Is TB increasing in the
workplace? |
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Is TB increasing in the workplace?
Yes, TB is increasing globally and more specifically in
developing countries. The Western Cape was dubbed as the
TB capital prior to the advent of HIV. Now with the era
of HIV, TB is out of control. The World Health
Organization has stated that HIV as the biggest
activator of TB and declared TB as a Global Public
Health Emergency in 1993, followed by the Western Cape
which declared TB as a Provincial Emergency in 1996. The
other provinces in South Africa are not far behind.
These are all clear indicators that TB is on the
increase and the workplace is no exception, especially
among the unskilled and semi-skilled workers, which in
many cases are food handlers. Full Article
What legislation is there that protects the worker or
the employer?
TB is treatable, curable and preventable, and testing
and treatment is free. Anyone that has been diagnosed
with TB at work cannot be dismissed or discriminated
against. Any person that is diagnosed with TB or HIV is
protected and hence have the same rights as other
employees.
What can an employer do?
It is advisable to conduct TB/HIV/AIDS workshops at the
workplace to make workers aware of TB/HIV/AIDS, where
workers would be able to detect signs and symptoms of TB
and seek early treatment. Anyone that has been diagnosed
with active TB and is on treatment is not infectious.
However, there is a law that if anyone that refuses to
take their TB medication, can be detained and be forced
by law to take their medication. Treatment and
medication must be taken for 6 months. Many patients,
because they feel better, stop taking their medication
after the second month and could become infectious.
Hence it is recommended and advisable to have a DOTS
Supporter at work (a trained Factory Nurse, Supervisor,
Shop Steward, etc) to ensure workers with TB, take their
full medication for a period of 6 months.
Are any information pamphlets available?
Information literature is available from the Department
of Health. |
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