While most people would agree that exposure to ETS should be addressed, it should be done as part of a complete occupational health program and it should not take away resources or distract atte
What details are included in this document?
For general information about environmental tobacco smoke and passive exposure to e-cigarette vapour and possible related health effects, please see the OSH Answers document Environmental Tobacco Smoke: General Information and Health Effects. This document will cover issues related to smoking restrictions in the workplace including legal obligations, ventilation, and steps to take when instituting a workplace smoking policy.
Are there any other grounds to forbid smoking in the workplace than health concerns?
The Conference Board of Canada estimated that in 2012, on average, each employee who smokes cost the employer $4,256 a year. These costs are attributed to increased absenteeism, lower productivity, unscheduled smoke breaks, maintenance of smoking areas, property damage, and health and fire insurance costs. Other studies indicate that non-smoking employees have trouble concentrating.
Smoking hasn't been prohibited in the workplace for a very long time.
When working with flammable, combustible, and/or explosive materials, smoking has traditionally been prohibited to protect people from the obvious fire and explosion hazards rather than to protect them from the health effects of ETS. In other situations, smoking has been prohibited to prevent hand-to-mouth digestion of chemicals. Food, drink, and cigarettes are frequently contaminated by chemicals.
Which Canadian jurisdictions have laws governing ETS in the workplace?
Smoking is completely prohibited in workplaces in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec; other provinces permit the construction of a separately ventilated room; all Canadian jurisdictions have a formal law or regulation restricting smoking in the workplace. Since regulations vary from province to province, it is important to consult local authorities.
Which Canadian provinces have laws governing the use of e-cigarettes (vaping) at work?
All Canadian jurisdictions, with the exception of the federal, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon, have legislation governing the sale and use of e-cigarettes.
What are the rules generally speaking?
Smoking is sometimes restricted in public buildings (including provincial government offices), but the restriction does not apply to other workplaces. Where smoking is permitted in a specific room or area, these areas must meet certain criteria in terms of the uses of the room and ventilation. Where smoking is prohibited in a specific room or area, these areas must comply with applicable laws.
What choices are accessible when creating a policy for the workplace?
Initially, some businesses tried to solve the smoking issue by separating smokers and nonsmokers, which necessitates smoking and nonsmoking workstations, office areas, lunch areas, and lounges. However, despite its intention to satisfy both smokers and nonsmokers, this approach is not entirely effective because tobacco smoke cannot be completely removed from a space.
What benefits and drawbacks exist between a ""smoke-free workplace"" and a ""separately ventilated room""?
Pros of the policy Cons of the policy Smoke-free complies with all laws greatly reduces ETS exposure for all employees decreases maintenance costs easy to administer and enforce low cost requires smokers to modify habits inconvenience to employees who smoke may be disproportionately absent from work stations if not properly managed may incur some cost if outside shelters are built Separately Ventilated Area complies with some laws reduces non-smoking employees
What constitutes a smoking place, specifically?
Employees who smoke may have access to designated areas, but there are usually requirements that must be met, such as the room being: clearly identified to the workforce by signs or other effective means equipped with a separate, non-recirculating exhaust ventilation system, if indoors a safe outdoor location, or room structurally separated from other work or break areas equipped with ashtrays or non-combustible covered receptacles for the disposal of waste Except in an emergency, an employer may not permit smoking in a designated area
What ventilation needs, if any, should be taken into account indoors?
In order to meet ventilation requirements, smoking areas frequently need to: Comply with Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62.1 ""Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality"" (2016 version) or another standard that is acceptable to the local authority. The standard addresses ventilation requirements for buildings that contain both an ETS area and an ETS-free area.
What are a few drawbacks of 'cleaning' the air using ventilation?
The design and operation of the building's environmental control system determines the quality of the air it produces. Typically, systems are designed to maximize human comfort; however, cost and energy considerations must be taken into account and, as a result, the goal of maximal comfort is often compromised. Minimum required ventilation rates are typically set to limit the carbon dioxide concentrations.
How should a no-smoking rule be implemented?
ETS can be reduced or eliminated by controlling emission at the source and by implementing policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all employees. The key to a successful smoking program or policy is to ensure, through discussion, that it has support from the majority of staff and management. The transition to a smoke-free workplace can be implemented through specific steps. Ideally, all employees should be allowed to smoke.
Should a business provide a program for quitting smoking?
Complete health promotion programs have also been implemented including fitness and nutritional counselling, exercise classes, and organized sports activities. There are three basic approaches for smoking cessation supports in the workplace. The chart below compares the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. To achieve the highest success, all three approaches should be used.
What does a model smoke-free workplace policy look like?
Definitions: This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco product, the use of smokeless (or spit) tobacco, and the use of electronic smoking devices.Smoking will not be permitted inside the building at any time; however, smoking will be permitted in designated smoking areas outside the building due to the health risks associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.Policy: Due to the health risks associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, ABC Company Inc. has instituted this policy to provide a smoke-free environment for all employees and visitors""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
