New clinic for Bay water utility
Mhlathuze Water offers staff access to healthcare at the workplace
THE wellness of staff has been prioritised at water utility Mhlathuze Water with the recent launch of a new clinic facility at the company’s Richards Bay premises.
The facility formed part of the initial plans of the company, but was only made fully functional earlier this month when management felt it necessary for employees to benefit from healthcare access at the workplace.
During the launch, Mhlathuze Water Acting Chief Executive, Sibusiso Makhanya, said staff relied more on medical aid schemes, which became a vital part of ‘looking after one’s health and long-term vitality’.
‘More working hours are being spent while taking care of their health instead of being productive here at work. It is also improper to refuse anybody access to healthcare, hence a need to counteract the absenteeism emanating from ill health of the workforce. Personnel have also been appointed to ensure proper running of the clinic,’ said Makhanya.
In addition, the local water utility has decided to implement SANS 16001, which is an employee wellness system to affirm their commitment to proper employee wellness initiatives.
The latest version of the standard is a wellness and diseases management system, which covers comprehensive non-occupational induced illness such as diabetes, asthma and obesity, whereas the previous one only focused on HIV/Aids and TB.
