AIDS/HIV infection and employment: the role of occupational health services

Abstract

Occupational health services need to be active in the development of local policies about AIDS/HIV and employment. Employment issues include the possible hazards from HIV infected employees, which are more fears than real risks, and the problems faced by HIV infected employees. Pre-employment HIV screening does not eliminate HIV from the workforce and involves much extra work. The occupational health service can be a source of confidential counselling for HIV infected individuals and will need to advise on work fitness. HIV as a bar to certain jobs is difficult to justify. The problems relating to HIV infection at work are best dealt with by education of staff at all levels.