Hep C on the job

[Misst66]

What is the employer's responsiblility when you work with someone who tells you they have Hep C, but you have recieved no training nor information from the employer.

[pigeonca]

Although I really have no idea how I got hcv, I suspect it was on the job.  I used to work with sharp, shared tools that everybody cut themselves on, and they are the most likely source of my infection.  

I do not think it is normally necessary to disclose any info about one's health, but if you do actually work with anything that cuts and if you share these implements with other people, then yes, you do need to inform your coworkers.

[R Glass]

I am fortunate to have a compassionate and understanding Boss. I knew that I would not be able to perform 100% after starting treatment and was not sure if I would be able to work at all. We have known each other for around 15 years so; he knows what I am capable of. I sat down and had a long talk with him before starting tx. The job I am on is about an hour drive and we start work at 7am. He allows me to come in at 8:30 and leave at 3 (Earlier if I am having an extremely rough day). I am on salary and he pays me my full 40 hours every week. All he asks is I make sure the job is lined out for everyone to start at 7am the following day. He bid and was awarded a $3 million park about 15 minutes from my house. The job starts in about 3 weeks and he is going to pull me off the Fire Station I am building and let me build the Park so I will be closer to home. Since I work in the construction field (Superintendent) it seems like some one is always bleeding from minor cuts and nicks. I know everyone’s situation is different. I felt obligated to my company to let all of my subcontractors know of my HCV condition. This way if one of the workers ever tests positive for HCV, they cannot blame my employer for “putting them at risk.” They were made aware and chose to work in the environment. Thus heading off any future, possible Law Suits. Not one person has left.    

[Deb_c430]

Forsee that cracked me up!  "we do walk among you!"    Appealed to my warped sense of humor, can see it winning an academy award!  

[hippygem]

Here is an example:

Should I disclose at work?

Unless you work in, or are thinking of working in, the Defence Force or are a healthcare worker who performs exposure prone procedures you do not have to tell your employer or anyone you work with that you have hepatitis C unless you want to.

When applying for a job you may be asked to fill out a pre-employment form that asks questions about your health. You do not have to answer any questions about hepatitis C unless it is necessary to determine if you can do the essential requirements of the particular job. There may be situations that arise where you may be required to disclose, including taking time off if you are ill due to hepatitis.

Occupational Health and Safety laws state that employers must provide easy access to first aid materials and must treat all blood spills in the workplace as if there is an infection present. If you are unsure or concerned about the quality of first aid and infection control procedures at your work you may wish to raise this with your employer.

There are many cases in which people with hepatitis C have been discriminated against in the workplace. However there may be benefits for you to disclose, such as the ability to arrange your working conditions to suit your health or treatment regime more effectively.

Any information that you give to your employer or other people you work with about your health is private and confidential and is not permitted to be passed on without your permission.

[jdwithhcv]

What is the employer's responsiblility when you work with someone who tells you they have Hep C, but you have recieved no training nor information from the employer.
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If I read this right, your co-worker confided in you and somehow you want it to be your employer's responsibility to give you training and information.  HOW OLD ARE YOU?  If you can post a question on this forum, you know how to use the internet.  So use it to educate yourself.

Your employer has no business giving out anybody's private medical information.  Grow up and take responsibility for yourself - the world doesn't owe you anything.

[Forseegood]

Id read the Hep C question, we do walk among you!!!!! lol...just a bit of sick humor there...we're not contagious like having the flu, or a cold, or even MRSA, nothing...you can hug us, shake our hand (as long as we both don't have bleeding hands) it's a blood to blood disease and and as long as you're not in a profession that is drawing blood (a butcher, etc) or around sharp objects where everyone is cutting themselves (then you'd have to be sure to wear gloves, as in a hospital or dental office) otherwise touching us, or breathing our air is okay, as long as youre Brad Pitt....:)

[Deb_c430]

and only if you ingest it  or mix it with your own blood by injecting.

Please educate yourself, and instead of assuming your in danger, learn about this disease   so that you can be supportive of this person.  

Deb

[debnevada]

if they are bleeding all over you, you have an issue.

otherwise, you don't.  Neither does the employer.

[FlGuy]

I would hope that there is no responsibility on the part of the employer.  Might cause those with Hep C to be treated differently than anyone else might be treated, like a person with a heart murmmer, MS, nearsightedness or hemmohroids.