Queensland WHS laws extend to sex workers after decriminalisation
08 Aug 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: WorkSafe QLD
Sex workers and sex work businesses across Queensland are now covered by workplace health and safety legislation following the decriminalisation of sex work. The changes took effect on 2 August.
The changes give sex workers the same workplace health and safety protections as other Queensland workers, improving their rights, safety and working conditions.
The laws applying to sex work businesses and workers include the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, alongside codes of practice and guidance documents.
Developed in consultation with the industry, Sex work - Work health and safety guidance 2024 explains the duties, responsibilities and worker rights under Queensland’s workplace health and safety laws.
The guidance covers industry-specific workplace hazards, including the use of personal protective equipment, managing psychosocial hazards and risks, working safely in different environments and reporting incidents.
Key materials will be translated into Thai, Mandarin and Korean to reach culturally and linguistically diverse audiences.
Respect Inc, a non-profit, peer-based organisation promoting the rights, health and wellbeing of Queensland sex workers, welcomed the guidance. The organisation described the changes as a shift towards treating sex work as work and focusing on workplace health and safety, following decades of calls from sex workers.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your business’s approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas that may need attention. Take the free WHS self-check