Workplace HIV/AIDS Policies

Many organizations have drafted workplace HIV/AIDS policies that may be used as models by employers, unions or governmental agencies. This listing contains documents that may be useful to those who are interested in creating workplace HIV/AIDS policies for their company or department.

Please click on the subject heading below for links to HIV/AIDS policies from the following sources:

• Heineken: HIV/AIDS Policy
• DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd: Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS
• Policies from the South African Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI)
• Sample Human Resources Policy Statement From the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation of Bermuda

In addition, the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS has assembled a collection of company policies on nondiscrimination.

Heineken's HIV/AIDS Policy

Heineken developed its HIV/AIDS policy to clarify the company's position and define the conditions and principles of its prevention and medication policy. The company hopes that its example can be utilized by both businesses and governments in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Heineken policy includes the following components:

• Local management is responsible for implementing the HIV/AIDS policy, and is expected to involve international organizations, local authorities, AIDS service organizations and other local and international companies.
• The company opposes discrimination, including discrimination against and stigma towards employees living with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS status does not affect employees' job security, terms of employment, or status.
• Employees living with HIV/AIDS are treated like other employees who suffer from chronic diseases with respect to absenteeism, assessment, and transfer to a less demanding position or working environment.
• No one may be obliged to take an HIV test or receive treatment; this policy applies to employees, applicants, and families. Personal medical information (including requests for HIV tests and results) is held in strict confidence.
• The company offers care and support programs for employees living with HIV/AIDS and their immediate family. Services include prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections, anti-retroviral therapy, and counseling and care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
• The company provides educational programs that offer information and education on HIV and STDs.

Complete policy

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DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS

DaimlerChrysler South Africa implemented this workplace policy on HIV/AIDS in South Africa to ensure a uniform approach to preventing HIV/AIDS among its employees and their families, and to ensure the comprehensive management of employees living with HIV/AIDS. The company hopes to minimize the impact of the disease through comprehensive and proactive workplace programs.

The DaimlerChrysler South Africa policy includes the following components:

• The HIV/AIDS program and policy is implemented by an HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator and the AIDS Task Force.
• Employees living with HIV/AIDS have the same rights and obligations as other employees; the company will protect them from discrimination based on their serostatus.
• The company promotes voluntary counseling and testing for all employees, including pre-test and post-test counseling.
• Appropriate HIV/AIDS information is included into occupational health training and first aid training.
• The company provides comprehensive health services that include condoms; access to anti-retroviral drugs; treatment according to standard protocols; and appropriate treatment of opportunistic infections within the framework of the company medical program. Health benefits also include insured death and disability benefits, and funeral coverage.
• DaimlerChrysler South Africa provides information about HIV/AIDS using company media and communication methods, peer educators, and health promotion campaigns.

Complete policy

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Sample Policies from the South African Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut

South African Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI) is a multi-sectoral employer organization in South Africa; it is involved in all sectors of the economy except primary agriculture. AHI made these policies available as samples for use in developing workplace HIV/AIDS policies. They include a draft HIV/AIDS policy for a large group of companies, a management statement on AIDS, and a draft policy for government departments.

The draft company policy addresses employment, employee benefits, confidentiality, counseling, information and education, and policy review. The management statement on HIV/AIDS addresses disabilities, non-discrimination, support for employees living with HIV/AIDS, information and education, confidentiality, and the responsibilities of the employee.

The draft government policy template will aid government departments that are drafting HIV/AIDS policy for their own workforce. The policy addresses nondiscrimination, counseling and testing, confidentiality, education, and health services. The policy also describes the roles of the HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator and AIDS Working Group in implementing the policy.

Draft company policy
Management statement
Draft government department policy

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Sample Human Resources Policy Statement From the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation (AVSF) of Bermuda

The Allan Vincent Smith Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Bermuda. The Foundation has presented a sample policy that may be adapted by employers or unions interested in implementing an HIV/AIDS policy in their workplace. Insert your company's name into the document, where prompted, for a simple version of an HIV/AIDS policy.

The components of the policy include:

• HIV/AIDS will be treated as any other life-threatening illness in terms of rights, benefits, and opportunities.
• People living with HIV/AIDS will not be discriminated against in terms of hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
• The company will support employees living with HIV/AIDS who are medically able to perform their job.
• The confidentiality of employees' medical information and records will be maintained.
• The company will provide education and information to employees on a regular basis.

Complete policy

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