Performance
We have '100%' targets for our workplace programmes:
- 100% of employees and contractors know their HIV status;
- 100% of HIV-positive employees and contractors are enrolled in treatment; and
- 100% safe behaviour to prevent new infections.
Workplace HIV voluntary testing and counselling programmes are in place at all Xstrata’s operations in southern Africa. Every employee and contractor is given time off from their shift to participate in HIV awareness training which is aimed at empowering people to protect their health. Every HIV positive employee and their dependents are able to access free care and treatment through easily available channels, if required.
Training covers a broad range of health issues in addition to HIV and is followed by an invitation to all attendees to attend a confidential medical interview. A voluntary HIV test is offered, with counselling and treatment available to those testing positive.
Xstrata Coal's wellness programmes are now fully embedded and include annual health interviews at which voluntary HIV testing is offered. In 2008, 97% of Xstrata Coal South Africa employees participated in voluntary HIV testing. Xstrata Coal’s focus remains to encourage employees and their dependents who test positive to take up and remain in appropriate treatment programmes. At the end of 2008, 56% of HIV positive employees were enrolled in treatment programmes, against an interim target of 65% in 2008. All testing is confidential and, as such, encouraging HIV positive employees and contractors to take up and remain in appropriate treatment programmes is very challenging.
Xstrata Alloys implemented an expanded wellness programme in 2008 and by early 2009, 11 of its 16 operations in South Africa and Swaziland had implemented the programme, with over 80% of employees participating in voluntary HIV testing at these operations. The programme is being implemented at the remaining Xstrata Alloys operations in 2009.
For both businesses, healthcare is provided by an independent organisation and personal information is treated confidentially and not shared with Xstrata.