HIV in workplace

People infected with HIV can remain healthy for many years and can work quite normally alongside their colleagues, operate machinery, handle food and so on. And those who have some HIV illness or have developed AIDS may be fit enough to work between bouts of illness.

If someone in your workplace has HIV or AIDS:
1. There is no need for any special precautions to be taken. Unless you are having unsafe sex with that person or you share injecting drug equipment with them, you are not at risk of HIV infection.

2. There is no need to feel threatened or afraid. People with AIDS or who are HIV-positive need understanding and support; you should not be frightened or give away to prejudice. Instead, give them the same sympathy and support that you would expect from your work mates if you were seriously ill.

First Aid
If you are a First Aider at work, you should carefully follow the basic hygiene procedures taught during First Aid training which protect you against a whole range of infections, including HIV.  Workers not trained in First Aid may also need to give help in an emergency. Remember to avoid direct contact with blood by wearing gloves and covering any cuts you have with plasters. Clear up blood spills using disposable towels, disinfect the area with bleach if it’s safe to do so.

Employment Rights
There is no reason for employers to refuse to employ people or sack anyone just because they have HIV or AIDS. Your employer can’t force you to take a blood test for HIV unless this is in your contract of employment. Even if your work requires you to have regular medical check-ups, an HIV test can’t be added without a legal change to your contract.

If you are HIV positive you don’t have to tell anyone at work, although if may be in your own interest to tell your employer if illness starts to affect your work. You can insist that your employer treats this information in total confidence. If you have symptoms that affect your work, your employer should consider making adjustments to your work or workplace to enable you to continue working.

If you are dismissed because you have or are suspected to have HIV you may be able to claim unfair dismissal. If you are HIV positive and have symptoms or AIDS and are dismissed because of this, your employer may have contravened Irish legislation on disability. Ask your union representative for advice, or seek legal advice.