Health and safety
The provision of a safe and healthy working environment is important and a mutual objective for all levels of employees. This is a relevant consideration for Eqstra in all divisions. No fatalities occurred at the group’s operations during the 2011 financial year.
HIV/Aids and employee wellness
Eqstra recognises the severity of the HIV/Aids pandemic in southern Africa and its impact on society. Given the role that business plays in wealth creation, the threat posed by HIV/Aids remains a key concern. Eqstra has taken a business unit-specific approach to HIV/Aids with the co-operation of key stakeholders. This includes ongoing training aimed at reducing the stigma attached to the disease and improving education in the working environment.
The objectives of the HIV/Aids policy are to:
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Provide consistent guidelines to management on dealing with HIV/Aids in the workplace |
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Ensure the fair and consistent treatment of all employees who are infected with HIV |
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Protect the legal rights of employees who are HIV positive or who have Aids-related illnesses |
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Provide a framework for educating employees and management on HIV/Aids |
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Encourage the use of counselling and other support services by infected employees to improve their overall health |
The Contract Mining and Plant Rental division, whose employees comprise 66% of Eqstra’s workforce, runs an awareness course on HIV/Aids which forms an integral part of its induction and safety training programmes.
Wellness days
The Industrial Equipment and Contract Mining and Plant Rental divisions arranged wellness days for employees during the 2011 financial year.
Wellness days have the following objectives:
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Improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life of employees |
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Reducing the use of healthcare |
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Enhancing productivity |
Participation is voluntary and over 480 employees participated. It is anticipated that this will increase as the initiative gains momentum.
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