What are the health and safety requirements for people who work in the sex industry?
The sex industry operates under the same health and safety rules and legislation as any other New Zealand industry, the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
Brothel operators and workers must identify all hazards and take all practicable steps to prevent harm to brothel workers and brothel clients. This includes having a safe working environment and ensuring safe sex is practiced.
Information on health and safety the sex industry can be found in the Department of Labour publication A Guide to Occupational Health and Safety in the New Zealand Sex Industry.
The industry is also governed by the Prostitution Reform Act 2003. This legislation decriminalised the provision of commercial sexual services. The Act places duties on operators of brothels, sex workers and clients to provide safe sex and sexual services. It also allows for the inspection and enforcement of brothels by Medical Officers of Health.
The Health Act 1956 covers health issues including prevention and control measures for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). More information on sexual health.
Date Modified: Tuesday, March 01, 2011
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