TB is a workplace issue too!

TB is most likely to be spread to members of the patient's family. But if they are in regular, close contact with the same people at work, they are at risk too.

For employers, TB interrupts workflow, lowers productivity and raises both direct cost related to treatment and care and indirect costs such as the replacement and retraining of workers.

Without effective treatment, employees sick with TB will not be able to work. But given effective treatment, many employees can return to work within two to four weeks without the risk of infecting others.

TB is a workplace issue because health is essential not only to the well being of individuals but the functioning of economies. Employers can play a vital role in promoting and undertaking TB control activities in the workplace and in the neighbouring community. Workers' organizations can collaborate in these activities and advocate for the needs of employees, including health care.

The advantages of the workplace for TB control activities are that workers attend on a regular basis, communication systems are in place, and existing structures, services, and facilities can be used for prevention, care, and support. Most employers can contribute towards the following key components of TB control, identifying TB suspects and referring them for diagnosis; helping TB patients to complete their treatment. Some large-scale employers with a significant number of TB cases among their workforce may wish to set up a workplace DOTS programme.