Get My Workers To Undergo Voluntary Testing

What Can I Do To Get My Workers To Undergo Voluntary Testing?

Click here to view an explanation about the reasons why you should get tested for HIV.

The Employment Equity Act prohibits an employer from forcing their workers to undergo testing. Good employer/employee relationships are extremely important.

Workers must understand the benefits of knowing their HIV status. The outcome of a test may only be disclosed with the consent of the worker. Furthermore, workers must be sure that the employer won’t use the test results as an excuse for being laid off.

Trust is a prerequisite before workers would willingly agree to be tested. Since few managers are likely to have been trained about HIV/AIDS, it could be useful to ask a knowledgeable person/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to explain HIV/AIDS to employees.

Some information can also be obtained from the HIV helpline (0800012322). Employers have to remember that testing must be voluntary.

People must be encouraged to speak openly about the disease and its implications in order to eradicate stigmatisation and ignorance.

This is a process that takes time and therefore employers must be willing to set up a HIV wellness programme in their company. Through discussion people can be made aware of the consequences of HIV/AIDS for people who live with it as well as the influence it has on their next of kin.

Encourage workers to go for testing by pointing out the advantages of knowing one’s status.

Inform workers of their right to information, confidentiality and treatment. Get information on the times when clinics are open in the area and disseminate the information among workers so that they know where testing, treatment or counselling is available.

Although the employer will not know the result of the test, it is important that the worker be informed by the clinic or the counsellor of what a positive or negative outcome means.