SEX WORK TOOLKIT

Litter associated with street-based sex work is the source of much of the tension and conflict in communities where street-based sex work occurs. The presence of condoms, condom wrappers and drug paraphernalia outside and around businesses, residences and playgrounds not only creates a mess that needs to be removed, but also affects the health and safety of the area. It is often the debris associated with sex work, and not sex work itself, that residents and businesses are concerned about. Discarded mattresses, often perceived to be associated with street-level sex work, are left in alleys and make it difficult for business or residents to access their properties.

Everyone wants to live and work in a safe and clean environment, including sex workers. 

• Mattress removal: most municipalities have a program for removing mattresses and other furniture left in alleys. Contact your municipality to learn more. 
• Needle pick up: many municipalities also have services or local non-profits who conduct needle pick-up and other harm reduction services. 

What to do if you find a used needle or other paraphernalia 

Call your local harm reduction and support organization for pick up, or if you do decide to pick up a needle, it is important to dispose of them promptly and carefully.

• Wear a pair of thick gardening or leather gloves along with a pair of tongs or pliers to pick up these items.
• Do not try to put the cap back on a needle with your hands. If you find a cap, leave it on the ground and use the needle to flip the cap over so it is facing upwards. Then, with the cap still on the ground, push the needle into the cap until it seals. Still put the capped needle in the disposal container. 
• Discard needles in a puncture-proof container, preferably one intended for such purposes. Any plastic or metal container with a lid, such as a coffee can, will also do. Do not place these containers in your recycling bin or garbage. Take them to a local harm reduction organization, clinic or pharmacy for disposal. 
• When you have finished, wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water.
• For condoms or other items that may have bodily fluids on them follow the same method. 

Teach children not to touch needles, glass pipes, or condoms, and to tell an adult immediately if they have found one.

 

What to do if you prick yourself with a used needle

• A common response to a needle stick is fear around contracting HIV. Keep in mind that there is only a 0.3% chance of contracting HIV from a used needle, stay calm.(1)
• If possible, put the injury below your heart to promote bleeding. Do not squeeze and do not put in your mouth.
• Immediately wash the area with warm soap and water for ten minutes.
• Do not soak the wound in bleach.
• Go to the nearest local health unit or hospital emergency department for care as soon as possible. 

*Remember* All blood and body fluids from any person are potentially infectious.

For more information, call HealthLink BC to speak with a registered nurse any time, every day of the year.

Call 8-1-1 toll-free in B.C.

For the deaf and hearing-impaired, call 7-1-1. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages.

To learn more about contact with blood or body fluids, see HealthLinkBC’s information about Contact with Blood or Body Fluids: Protecting Against Infection.

 

(1) Abadie et al (2024). “Incidence and Risks of HIV Infection, Medication Options, and Adverse Effects in Accidental Needle Stick Injuries: A Narrative Review.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10831193/#REF45