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Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Notices

Guidance Note on the Management and Control of HIV in the South African Mining Industry

Part A : The Guidance Note

1. Foreword

 

1.1 This guidance note has been produced to assist in the management and control of HIV in the South African mining industry . It is intended as a supplement to the NTBMG and NSP issued by the of NDOH and the SANAC respectively . It also reinforces the need for continuous social dialogue amongst stakeholders . It embraces the ten key principles of the ILO COP on HIV/AIDS and the world of work. The mining industry has assumed a more active role to address the problem of HIV and AIDS.

 

1.2 At the 2011  Mine Health and Safety  Summit a commitment  was signed  off by  all Tripart ite Principals to  report on HIV programme  within  the  South African  mining industry. It was enforced by an Instruction number OH/02/2013 from  the  Chief Inspector of Mines to report on HIV and TB management. The DMR 164 Form was developed as a reporting tool on HIV and TB for the mining industry.

 

1.3 The following risk factors are associated with the epidemic of HIV and AIDS in the mines: migrant labour system, hostel accommodation , alcohol abuse, sex workers (trucking) , informal settlements around the peri-mining communities and risky sexual behaviour . However, this document does not specifically address the management of these risks.

 

1.4 HIV and AIDS is associated with a decrease in immunity resulting in opportunistic infections . Therefore , the integration of TB and HIV management and  control programme is essential. Since HIV and AIDS is a workplace issue that affects the workforce and world of work , the workplace can play a vital role in limiting the spread and effects of the epidemic . All employees (permanent and contract) including management should be involved in all aspects of programme co-ordination , implementation  and  reporting.

 

1.5 Pople Living with HIV and AIDS have the same human rights as the rest of  the uninfected population. The programme should provide an integrated HIV prevention, HIV Testing, TB and NCO services, and linkage to treatment and care to reduce stigma and discrimination.

 

1.6 An integrated HIV and TB programme should include NCO services , and linkage to treatment and care to reduce stigma and discrimination . Gender equality in the form of relations and empowerment of women should be actively addressed . The principle of confidentiality should not be compromised.