HIV/AIDS

The Aveng Grinaker-LTA Group recognises that HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that affects society at all levels with complex social and economic implications. The Group is aware of the possible negative impact on itself, its employees, the industry and the greater wellbeing and prosperity of society. The Group actively supports and encourages all measures and initiatives aimed at minimising the impact and spreading of the disease.

Policy

The policy of Aveng Grinaker-LTA is to educate and keep employees informed on HIV/AIDS issues. The Group aims to successfully support HIV/AIDS measures and initiatives aimed at minimising the impact and spreading of the disease. It also aims to create a supportive environment in the workplace, ensure the rights of employees living with HIV/AIDS are protected and ensure the rights of the Group are respected.

Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of all managers and supervisors. It is the responsibility of all employees to keep informed about HIV/AIDS, to protect themselves and their families, to take appropriate action and seek counselling in the event of uncertainty. In the implementation of the policy the following are critical issues:

• Information - the Group will provide information and training to employees and management on aspects of HIV/AIDS to equip them to make informed decisions and prevent the spread of the disease. This information will be updated from time to time as the disease is continually researched.
• Discrimination - the Group will not discriminate against employees based on their HIV/AIDS status and will not tolerate any discrimination of employees by fellow employees. Any discrimination will lead to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Group policies and procedures.
• Testing - HIV/AIDS testing is not a pre-requisite for employment by the Group, unless required by the law of the country. The Group will pay for HIV/AIDS testing, but will not conduct the tests itself referring volunteers to appropriate institutions.
• Counselling - Before voluntary testing, employees will be provided with pre-test counselling. Suitable trained counsellors will be made available for this purpose. Following every HIV/AIDS test, each employee will be provided with post-test counselling by suitably qualified counsellors.
• Results - Employees are not obliged to disclose their HIV/AIDS status or results of voluntary testing to the Group. Where disclosure is made the Group will treat the information about the status of an HIV/AIDS infected employee with absolute confidentiality.
• Assistance - The Group will train suitable in-house educators to conduct awareness programmes and provide pre- and post-test counselling and referrals. Where appropriate external counsellors will be made available.