Sample Policy - Workplace Smoking

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Due to the acknowledged hazards arising from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, it shall be the policy of __________________________ to provide a smoke-free environment for all employees and visitors. This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco product and the use of smokeless or spit tobacco and applies to both employees and non-employee visitors of _______________________.

There will be no smoking of tobacco products within the facilities at any time.

The decision to provide or not provide designated smoking areas outside the building will be at the discretion of management or other decision-making body.

The designated smoking area will be located at least 50 feet from the main entrance.

All materials used for smoking, including cigarette butts and matches, will be extinguished and disposed of in appropriate containers. Supervisors will ensure periodic clean up of designated smoking area. If the designated smoking area is not properly maintained (for example, if cigarette butts are found on the ground), it can be eliminated at the discretion of management or other decision-making body.

Vehicle and Transportation Tobacco Use Policy

There will be no smoking in any company vehicle.

There will be no tobacco use in personal vehicles when transporting persons on company authorized business.

Breaks

Supervisors will discuss the issue of smoking breaks with their staff. Together they will develop effective break-time solutions that do not interfere with the productivity of the staff and can apply to all employees.

Procedure

Employees will be informed of this policy through signs posted in the facilities and vehicles, the policy manual, orientation and training provided by their supervisors.

Visitors will be informed of this policy through signs, and it will be explained by their host.

The _________________ will assist employees who wish to quit smoking by facilitating access to recommended smoking cessation programs and materials.

Any violations of this policy will be handled through the standard disciplinary procedure.

* For more information, call Project Assist at the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 704-336-4660.

Adapted from Making Your Workplace Smoke Free from the Centers for Disease Control