Model Workplace Policy for Ending TB

MODEL ORGANIZATION’S WORKPLACE POLICY FOR ENDING TB:

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INTRODUCTION

In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB globally. India carries an estimated 27% of the global TB incidence with an estimated 28.2 lakh people contracting the disease and approximately 3.4 people succumbing to the disease every year. TB is known to cause a decline in workers’ productivity on the order of $13 billion every year.

It has become essential to create a work environment where TB is addressed and provision of TB services for the workers is made available. A healthy workforce results in higher productivity, making supportive workplace policies mutually beneficial for the industry and its employees. Institutional policies for TB can play a pivotal role in spreading awareness, creating a culture of support and inclusion and helping in the prevention and spread of TB. Every organization assume an accountability to adopt and implement a policy to end TB in their workplace. The following points outline the main pillars that set the standard for TB care at the workplace.

A brief introduction of the organization    A short paragraph about the organization,
capturing its workforce and mission/values particularly with regards to health and wellness of employees. The organization has a role to play in contributing to a TB-Free India………………………

Scope of the policy: …………….…(Mention who all are covered in the policy) …………….……….

ORGANISATION’S POLICY

-    The organization will treat TB as a workplace issue because it affects the health of workers and the productivity of the organization.
-    The organization will not discriminate against workers based on known or presumed status of Tuberculosis. No one should experience discrimination on the basis of their TB status, whether in terms of continuing employment relationships or access to health insurance, occupational safety, and health care schemes.
-    The organization will not ask job applicants or employees to disclose information whether they have TB or not. Access to personal data about health status of employees, including about TB will be kept confidential.
-    Organization shall foster a culture of care towards workers who are afflicted with Tuberculosis.
-    Prevention of TB will be a key priority. Continuous efforts will be made to make workers aware of symptoms of Tuberculosis, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment
-    Employees will be encouraged to seek voluntary TB screening, including self-screening
-    Air-borne Infection Control measures will be promoted to prevent transmission of Tuberculosis among the workers.
-    Counselling services will be ensured for workers and their family members seeking help on issues related to Tuberculosis.
-    Support for treatment adherence and completion will be provided to all workers affected with TB.
-    Provision of nutritional support to all workers undergoing treatment for TB.
-    Employees with TB should be entitled to work for as long as they are medically fit and appropriate work is available. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to workers affected with TB to enable them to keep their jobs. This may include leave or temporary change in allotted duties to continue treatment or others until the situation demands.
-    Information of all workers’ data diagnosed with TB will be updated in Ni-kshay.

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