Lie back and think of OSH
New Zealand Herald
31.07.2004
By ANGELA GREGORY
Prostitutes need to get beds with good back support and watch out for occupational overuse syndrome, says New Zealand's first safety guide for sex workers.
The 100-page Occupational Safety and Health guide to safe sex practices - introduced as a result of last year's prostitution reform legislation - has been launched on the Government organisation's website with the caution: "Warning: this document contains sexually explicit material".
The recommendations, which will also be distributed to brothels and sex workers, include detailed advice on safe sex practices such as the storage and handling of sex toys and disinfecting equipment.
Employers are asked to ensure condoms in a variety of shapes and sizes are always available, and to provide beds that support the back for a variety of services to be performed without strain or discomfort.
Comprehensive training of staff in the safe use of all equipment, particularly for fantasy work, is also recommended.
The guide warns sex workers to watch out for signs of overuse disorders, which occur among people who work in fixed or constrained postures, perform rapid repetitive tasks or use forceful movements.
Tips for sex workers who visit clients in their homes include noting as they approach whether the house is well lit, and to listen for indications of more than one person inside. They are advised to always get the payment first and keep the "money bag" in sight at all times.
They should always carry a work kit with such tools of the trade as lubricant, gloves and condoms.
The guide also recommends the sex workers carry a small torch to be used in the event of there being unsatisfactory lighting by which to examine a client for signs of sexually transmitted diseases, and to wash body areas with mild antiseptics after "trick sex".
Mike Cosman of OSH said the guide was developed in consultation with the Prostitutes Collective, industry representatives, ACC, the Ministry of Health, the Police and Local Government New Zealand.
Acting Director of Public Health Dr Douglas Lush said the guide would be a valuable resource for the sex industry to understand how to meet health and safety requirements.
Catherine Healy of the Prostitutes Collective said the guide was a historic advancement.
"This is something we couldn't develop before the change in legislation. Now we can offer a lot of practical advice that will support sex workers in working safely."
TIPS FOR SEX WORKERS
* Use beds with good back support so services "can be performed without strain or discomfort".
* Watch out for occupational overuse syndrome, often caused by rapid repetitive tasks or forceful movements.
* Carry a small torch in case you need to check clients for sexually transmitted diseases.
New Zealand Herald
31.07.2004
By ANGELA GREGORY
Prostitutes need to get beds with good back support and watch out for occupational overuse syndrome, says New Zealand's first safety guide for sex workers.
The 100-page Occupational Safety and Health guide to safe sex practices - introduced as a result of last year's prostitution reform legislation - has been launched on the Government organisation's website with the caution: "Warning: this document contains sexually explicit material".
The recommendations, which will also be distributed to brothels and sex workers, include detailed advice on safe sex practices such as the storage and handling of sex toys and disinfecting equipment.
Employers are asked to ensure condoms in a variety of shapes and sizes are always available, and to provide beds that support the back for a variety of services to be performed without strain or discomfort.
Comprehensive training of staff in the safe use of all equipment, particularly for fantasy work, is also recommended.
The guide warns sex workers to watch out for signs of overuse disorders, which occur among people who work in fixed or constrained postures, perform rapid repetitive tasks or use forceful movements.
Tips for sex workers who visit clients in their homes include noting as they approach whether the house is well lit, and to listen for indications of more than one person inside. They are advised to always get the payment first and keep the "money bag" in sight at all times.
They should always carry a work kit with such tools of the trade as lubricant, gloves and condoms.
The guide also recommends the sex workers carry a small torch to be used in the event of there being unsatisfactory lighting by which to examine a client for signs of sexually transmitted diseases, and to wash body areas with mild antiseptics after "trick sex".
Mike Cosman of OSH said the guide was developed in consultation with the Prostitutes Collective, industry representatives, ACC, the Ministry of Health, the Police and Local Government New Zealand.
Acting Director of Public Health Dr Douglas Lush said the guide would be a valuable resource for the sex industry to understand how to meet health and safety requirements.
Catherine Healy of the Prostitutes Collective said the guide was a historic advancement.
"This is something we couldn't develop before the change in legislation. Now we can offer a lot of practical advice that will support sex workers in working safely."
TIPS FOR SEX WORKERS
* Use beds with good back support so services "can be performed without strain or discomfort".
* Watch out for occupational overuse syndrome, often caused by rapid repetitive tasks or forceful movements.
* Carry a small torch in case you need to check clients for sexually transmitted diseases.