Occupational Health and Safety among Female Commercial Sex Workers in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

The topic of occupational health and safety (OHS) has been investigated for many years continues to be a concept often researched today. Generally speaking, OHS research centered around food safety, construction transportation fire drug alcohol testing, medical management, industrial hygiene, name few. However, the concerning female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) rarely investigated, neglected, seldom discussed, is lacking in sound research. Although regarded as “oldest profession”, work (CSW) consistently ignored, disregarded, under-researched due illegality stigmatization prostitution. This paper reviews issues faced by FCSWs Tema Accra, Ghana, through in-depth interviews, visits women’s homes, fieldwork, informal conversations, observations with during summer May 2012–July 2012. Facets that emerged among included: sexually transmissible infections, risks associated harassment violence from police clients, use, irregular hospital or lack visits, immigration issues, legal hazards, working conditions. We argue CSW viewed an occupation great need interventions reduce workplace risks.