The three underlying principles of TB control are: find, treat, cure and prevent.

• Prompt identification and diagnosis of TB
• Regular and correct treatment and cure of TB
• Prevention of TB

In addition to promptly identifying TB cases and ensuring they are treated and cured, TB can also be prevented by TB preventive therapy targeted to those who are at a high risk of developing TB, such as HIV-infected workers or those with silicosis, an occupational lung disease that results from silica dust exposure. Silica dust exposure may occur in mines, quarrying, sandblasting, tunnelling and smelting.

Infection control is essential to prevent transmission of TB in the workplace. The elements of a workplace infection control programme include:

• Developing an infection control plan following a risk assessment
• Implementing environmental controls, such as ensuring adequate ventilation by having outdoor waiting areas and windows that open or through simple architectural modifications to improve ventilation, cough hygiene for coughing patients and the use of ultraviolet-light air disinfection
• Identifying workers that may have TB as soon as possible and referring them for prompt diagnosis and treatment
• Collecting sputum samples in a safe manner. This is best achieved by collecting sputum samples outside, but not in direct sunlight. If this is not possible, sputum should be collected in a well ventilated room.
• Relevant training for administrators and healthcare workers
• Offering HIV testing for those working in high risk situations and alternative jobs for HIV-infected workers
• Ensuring the use of personal respirators (masks), particularly for those working with drug resistant TB patients

(See: Dismissal for Incapacity)

http://www.labourguide.co.za/health-and-safety/1374-tb-what-employers- should-know