Frequently asked questions about smoking in the workplace
Q. DOES A WORKPLACE SMOKING POLICY MEAN THAT I HAVE TO BAN SMOKING EVERYWHERE?
A. Not necessarily, there are several possible options, it is important that you develop one that works for you. It is not concerned with whether people smoke, but rather where and sometimes when.
Q. I DON'T CURRENTLY HAVE ANY EMPLOYEES WHO SMOKE; DO I STILL NEED A POLICY?
A. Yes it removes any ambiguity about your stance on smoking in the workplace should you take on any smoking staff, in fact it is probably easier to develop a policy when no staff smoke.
Q. MY STAFF SAY THAT I CANNOT TELL THEM WHERE THEY CAN OR CAN'T SMOKE. IS THIS TRUE?
A. Absolutely not, you can stop staff smoking on any company owned premises, both inside and out, you can also stop people smoking in company vehicles if you wish.
Q. ONE MEMBER OF STAFF SAYS THAT HIS HEALTH IS BEING AFFECTED BY COLLEAGUES' CIGARETTE SMOKE. AM I LIABLE FOR THIS?
A. Health & Safety Regulations clearly state that the employer must provide an environment without risk to health, you must also suitably assess risks to health. Passive smoking is now proven to cause major health risks and therefore failure to take appropriate precautions could result in a law case against you. Substantial out of court settlements for similar cases have already been made in the UK.
Q. SOME OF MY STAFF STOP WORK TO SMOKE WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT AND PROFESS THAT IT IS THEIR 'HUMAN RIGHT'. IS THIS SO, AND CAN I STOP THEM?
A. No. You can insist that staff do not smoke on company paid time and must restrict their smoking to unpaid break times etc.
Q. SOME STAFF HAVE SAID THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO STOP SMOKING. IS THIS POSSIBLE AND WHAT WOULD IT COST?
A. Yes it is possible and there are a number of options available - from providing information for staff to hosting specialist 'stop smoking' courses in the workplace. Please contact the Gloucestershire Smoking Advice Service for further information on 08454 220040
Q. WE HAVE AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE WHO IS INTERESTED IN LEARNING HOW TO SUPPORT PEOPLE TO STOP SMOKING. CAN YOUR SERVICE HELP TO TRAIN HER?
A. Absolutely, we conduct a number of training courses throughout the year. Phone 08454 220040 for details.
