Testing for HIV should not be required of workers. Imagine that you are a worker with HIV infection and are healthy and able to work. As far as your work is concerned, the information about the infection is private. If it is made public, you could be a target for discrimination. If AIDS-related illness makes you unfit for a particular job, you should be treated in the same way as any other employee with a chronic illness. A suitable alternative job can often be arranged by the employer.

HIV test is most accurate if done three months after your most recent risk occurrence such as unprotected sex, sharing needles etc. You do not need to do an HIV test on a regular basis unless you feel you have been at risk for the virus.

HIV test is required for some studies. You will be informed in the screening process as to whether or not you will need to be tested for HIV, and our doctor will counsel you about AIDS, HIV and issues relating to the test. You will be told the result in a confidential manner.

This depends on the country you are in. In many countries, it will only be legal for employers to test employees if they do a job that requires them to have no serious health problems (such as working in the armed forces for example). If you are asked to take an HIV test for work that you don't believe is necessary, you should contact a legal advisor, or an AIDS organisation in your country for advice.

Yes. To learn more about testing procedures and locations in Bermuda call the Bermuda Department of Health at 236-0224.

There are many things you can do to help protect your health if you test positive for HIV. Seeking health care early and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help a person stay healthy. Some specific things you can do if you're positive for HIV are: See a doctor, even if you feel well. If possible, see a doctor who is familiar with treating people with HIV. Health care providers can inform you on what tests and drug treatment are right for you.

No. The test for HIV can only tell you if you have been infected or not. Transmission of the virus does not necessarily occur every time exposure occurs. The only way for an individual to tell if he/she has been infected with HIV is to be tested. If you are unsure of your partner's status, you may want to consider talking to him/her about it and using protection (latex condoms or dental dams) to reduce your risk.

See Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers on the Social Security Administration website at http://www.ssa.gov/employer/hiring.htm

Usually TFI Resources is the employer of record, i.e., the legal employer of the workers. However, TFI Resources is generally limited to office/clerical and office/professional employees. If you would prefer to be the employer of record, similar payroll funding and payroll processing services are available through our affiliated company, TFI Services.

Transporting the injured worker to the nearest location where medical treatment can be obtained and paying for the transportation. Reporting the incident/injury to the WorkSafeBC within three business days of the injury's occurrence or within three business days of you or your representative becoming aware of the injury. Submitting an Incident and Injury Report online or completing and sending the Employer's Report of Injury or Occupational Disease (Form 7) (PDF 81kb) to the WorkSafeBC.

If the demand for sexual favors is made by a co-worker with no power to affect your employment opportunities, you cannot claim quid pro quo harassment. However, you may claim that the co-workers actions created a hostile work environment, and an employer may be held liable for the conduct of the employee if the employer knew or should have known of the employee's conduct and failed to take prompt remedial action to stop the harassment.

Some immigrants can base their applications to enter the country on employment status. While some types of workers are in enough demand that the USCIS will admit them without a job, other types of workers may enter based on a U.S. employer's sponsorship. If an employer wants to hire a foreign national without current work authorization, the company must file a I-140 petition on behalf of that worker. All such workers require a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.

You cannot be asked any medical questions in a job interview or on a job application. Generally, you cannot be required to submit to a medical exam or an HIV test before you are given a job offer. After you have been given a job offer, but before you are on the payroll, you can be required to have a medical exam or a drug test. Your employment can be conditioned on your successful completion of the medical exam or drug test.

How do I assess the level of risk of contracting HIV or STD's based on my own exposure? Maybe I don't need a test.

No approved HIV test kit will give you a result at home. There is a kit available that is designed for you to collect a sample of your blood at home. Then you send the sample to a laboratory where it is tested for HIV.

You can call 523-2128 to set up an appointment for a free HIV test at the Health Department in Elkhart.