Critical to sustainable growth
- For transport companies and other supply chains operators, health and safety on the road is critical to sustainable business growth. Mobile transport workers are at great risk of HIV infection – in sub-Saharan Africa prevalence rates are believed to be frequently twice as high as the general population.
- In four North Star Alliance focus countries, more than 7% of the drivers in the region are driving sick and 21% are driving with an STI or HIV. These drivers are responsible for arrying $5-30 million worth of cargo and operate equipment with a high capital cost investment by the company they represent. The risk for losses to either the company or the client is high.
- Direct impact on the bottom line. Rising costs for insurance, health benefits, recruitment, retraining, loss of goods, pipeline breaks, damaged reputation.
Current interventions are ineffective
Prevention is better/less expensive than treatment. But many workplace policies never get implemented or benefit the highly mobile transport workers who spend most of their time travelling.
Employees have a right to health and safety
Companies are responsible for protecting employees’ right to health and safety, and are expected to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals through combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
