With the recent decriminalisation of sex work in Queensland, all sex workers and sex work businesses have now been incorporated into the scope of work health and safety legislation. This signifies a significant improvement in the rights, safety, and working conditions of sex workers. Rules such as the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, codes of practice, and guidance documents that apply to all Queensland businesses, are equally relevant to sex work businesses and sex workers. This vital change came into effect on the 2nd of August.
The inclusion of sex workers within the framework of employment laws serves as a testament to the inherent right of every worker, including sex workers, to experience a safe and healthy working environment. Part of this reinforcement is the explicit commitment to the use of work safety products, WHS management systems and SWMS in managing workplace hazards effectively. The advantages of adopting a Bluesafe WHS Management System in such situations cannot be overstated.
Guidance documents, such as the ‘Sex work – Work health and safety guidance 2024’, have been meticulously prepared in consultation with industry experts. They aim to illuminate various duties, responsibilities, and worker rights upheld by Queensland’s work health and safety laws. Industry-specific details about managing workplace hazards, utilising personal protective equipment (PPE), handling psychosocial perils, tips for ensuring safety across varied environments, and incident reporting processes are included in these guides.
Preliminary resources will be made available to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) audiences in Thai, Mandarin, and Korean. Additional information can be found at WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.
Incorporating Bluesafe SWMS into the equation will enable sex workers to operate in a legal and safe environment and gain access to practical information that mitigates workplace risks – a step pivotal in ensuring equality of workplace health and safety protections among all Queensland workers.
Respect Inc, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting Queensland sex workers’ rights, health, and wellbeing, has wholeheartedly welcomed the release of the WHS Guidance. Marking a significant historical moment coveted by sex workers over decades, this shift away from laws that undermined safety also signifies a renewed focus on treating sex work as legitimate work, emphasising health and safety in the workplace for Queensland sex workers.
For media inquiries, contact OIRMedia@oir.qld.gov.au or call us at 0478 33 22 00.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2024/workplace-health-and-safety-laws-now-apply-to-sex-industry-workers