Safety Glossary
Safety Glossary
HIV INFECTION AND AIDS |
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Am I at risk if I work in the same office as someone who is HIV positive or has AIDS?
No – current medical knowledge indicates that there is no evidence that HIV or AIDS is transmitted by everyday social contact.
Do I have to tell my manager if I am HIV positive or have AIDS?
No.
If I am HIV positive or have AIDS and want to tell my manager, will the information be kept confidential?
Yes – any information concerning an employee’s medical condition will be subject to the highest professional and ethical standards to safeguard confidentiality.
If I feel I need counselling, will the Council help?
Yes - a confidential counselling service will be arranged via the Council’s Occupational Health and Wellbeing Unit.
Is there a risk that HIV or AIDS could be transmitted to me if my duties involve exposure to ‘sharps’ objects that may be contaminated with HIV, such as used hypodermic needles, if I work in residential care or refuse collection?
There is a risk of transmission, although an extremely low one, and this risk can be controlled through the use of good working practices and appropriate health and safety measures.
In such instances appropriate training and equipment, including personal protective equipment, will be provided by the Council after the risks have been assessed.
Is there a risk that HIV or AIDS could be transmitted to me if my duties involve exposure to bodily fluids, such as blood, for example?
There is a risk of transmission, although an extremely low one, and this risk can be controlled through the use of good hygiene practices and appropriate health and safety measures.
In such instances appropriate training and equipment, including personal protective equipment, will be provided by the Council after the risks have been assessed.
What if sometimes I am too ill to attend work because I am HIV positive or have AIDS?
Normal rules concerning sickness absence reporting will apply.