The TUC is calling on employers to ban smoking in the workplace now – and not wait for the proposed legislation which is due to come into force next summer.
In a new guide, the TUC says that rather than put off the inevitable for a few months, employers should be sitting down now with employees to work out the most sensible ways of implementing the new smoke-free regulations.
In ‘Negotiating smoke-free workplaces’, the TUC says that around a quarter of all employees smoke.
Most workers are already employed in factories, shops and offices that are free from tobacco smoke, but some 2 million work in establishments where smoking is still permitted everywhere, and another 10 million where smoking is allowed somewhere on the premises.
The TUC guide says that every workplace should have a smoking policy – drawn up in consultation with staff – that protects smokers from persecution and offers them help giving up.
It also needs to cover what happens to persistent smokers who breach the ban as well as breaks for staff who will soon have to go outside to light up.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “For every month that employers wait to introduce a ban more employees will die or become seriously ill as a result of second-hand smoke at work.
“With around 700 workers dying every year from smoking-related diseases caused by passive smoking at work, there is no sensible reason why employers can’t be sitting down with staff now to talk about how the ban will happen and how to make every workplace a safer, healthier place to be.”
One Response
I agree but disagree
Firstly I would just like to say I agree with the TUC that workplaces should ban smoking before the impending ban next summer. In Scotland the ban in workplaces is already effective and is working well.
I think the one thing the TUC neglected to discuss is how workplace can introduce such bans and how it effect’s staff morale etc. I personally get the impression that the TUC and the Government simply want workplaces to turn around and say to employees smoking is banned and not give them any support.
I have worked closely with many Scottish companies who implemented the plan earlier this year. My personal recommendation to these companies was to firstly hold a no smoking day, with an onsite nurse giving free health checks and smoking advice. After the event every smoker was offer free smoking cessation with the Occupational Health Nurse. There were many leaflets and posters situated around the workplace advising employees of the implemented ban and the reason for it. On all the poster and leaflets they have contact details for Occupational Health Nurse and a free website with up to date advice.
As you can imagine, to implement all of the above this cost companies money, there was no assistance or grants available from the Government. I think the Government need to take a harsh look at itself and think of ways to encourage workplace to implement such plans.
Regards
Robert Carlin