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Workplace Testing and Counseling Award Winner (2009): Anglo Coal South Africa
REGION: South Africa
INDUSTRY: Metals and Mining
WEBSITE: www.angloamerican.co.uk
ABOUT ANGLO COAL SOUTH AFRICA
Anglo Coal is the world's sixth largest private-sector coal producer and exporter, with operations in South Africa, Australia, South America and Canada. In South Africa, Anglo Coal owns and operates ten mines, employing more than 9,000 people nationwide.
THE WINNING PROGRAM
Anglo Coal's best practice HIV/AIDS workplace program educates, engages and safeguards its employees through innovative approaches and a positive outlook-the company not only protects employees' health, but also gives them hope.
The program follows a five pillar approach, focusing on voluntary counseling and testing; awareness, education and prevention; care, support and treatment; partnerships; and commitment to One Anglo's six values. The company has taken major steps in guaranteeing confidentiality and creating awareness about its HIV non-discrimination policy-both of which reduce stigma and encourage testing.
The results are clear-94 percent of Anglo Coal's workforce has been tested for HIV and 86 percent were tested in 2008 alone (clock set back to zero annually). Anglo Coal's 253 wellness peer educators not only educate their co-workers about HIV, but also reach out into the community with home-based care. In addition, the company's partnership with the Ndlovu Care Group (an NGO), the U.S. government and Virgin Unite has brought critical healthcare services to another 84,000 community members.
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Leadership Commitment at All Levels
Anglo Coal's workplace program benefits from leadership engagement ranging from C-level executives (who regularly take public HIV tests) to regular employees, securing buy-in from Anglo Coal's three employee unions. The program structure includes leadership personnel at multiple levels, including chief medical officers, regional coordinators and on-site HIV coordinators at all operations.
Sustained Follow-through with Those Who Test Positive
Antiretroviral treatment is available to every employee and his/her family who needs it, as well as additional health and nutritional support through fully staffed on-site clinics. Employees living with HIV must attend quarterly checkups at the centrally located Anglo Coal Highveld Hospital and are provided free transportation to those checkups. Knowing that they will receive such support is a leading factor in the company's high testing uptake.
