Navigating Employee Health Concerns: Can Hepatitis Affect Job Security?

Employee Health and Workplace Concerns

My question is that we face some situations where, after a medical test, it reveals that an employee has Hepatitis A, B, or C, for instance. Other staff feel hesitant to contact or shake hands with such staff.

Employment Termination Based on Health Conditions

I would like to know, can we release such employees on the basis of such a condition? This question pertains to both permanent and third-party contract staff. What does the labor law say about this condition?

Best Regards,
Head of HR & GA Division
YKK PAKISTAN (PVT) LTD
PLOT 1-23, SECTOR EI-EII,
KARACHI EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE, LANDHI, KARACHI, PAKISTAN.

Dear Tariq, when I checked Wikipedia to determine whether Hepatitis is contagious, I found the following information:

"Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D are transmitted when blood or mucous membranes are exposed to infected blood and body fluids, such as semen and vaginal secretions. Viral particles have also been found in saliva and breast milk. However, kissing, sharing utensils, and breastfeeding do not lead to transmission unless these fluids are introduced into open sores or cuts."

Wikipedia clearly outlines how the disease spreads. Therefore, it is important for your company staff to receive education on how Hepatitis can be contracted. Employees who are infected with this disease require moral support, and removing them from their jobs would only worsen the situation for them.

I suggest arranging for a general physician to conduct a guest lecture for the company staff. This will help dispel any misconceptions or fears about the disease.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Dear Dinesh,

Thank you for your kind and urgent reply. Basically, I would agree with you; it seems fair from a humanitarian point of view. However, to make it clearer and more protective for such employees, I would also search for some laws applicable in such conditions to protect such employees from being fired.

Best regards,
Tariq Pervaiz.

National Anti-Discrimination Policy on Hepatitis

First of all, check whether there is any national-level anti-discrimination policy on Hepatitis in Pakistan. If such a policy exists, follow it.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Furthermore, the approach to this issue depends heavily on the nature of your business. For example, if your organization operates in the food processing industry or provides medical services, such discrimination is not acceptable.

Export Processing Zone Requirements

Given that your address indicates that the organization is in an Export Processing Zone, it is important to note that many countries require medical clearance of employees before permitting imports from those companies. In such instances, it is advisable to establish a clear policy regarding Hepatitis and conduct regular check-ups for all employees. If an employee tests positive for Hepatitis, they would be considered unfit for employment.

Education is the key to change.

Call a doctor who can provide general coverage on Hepatitis, AIDS, etc.

The boss can set an example by publicly shaking hands and interacting closely with employees.

It is like thinking that Vitiligo is infectious. It is just an autoimmune disease where your skin becomes white.

Refer to the health regulations of your country. They may specify certain jobs that should not be performed at certain stages of the disease.

A lot depends on the industry in which your company is involved.