Smoke Free Workplace

Smoke free in the workplace

Description of Business Audience

Employees, patients and customers who smoke.

Introduction

Adopting a smoke free policy is not passing judgment on smokers and it doesn't mean workers who smoke are unwelcome.

Thesis Statement

Businesses are becoming increasingly sensitive to health and safety practices at the workplace that help protect employees. Tobacco cessation continues to be one of the most cost-effective measures to reduce health care costs and increase productivity at the workplace.

I. Strategies for promoting a smoke-free workplace

A. Support smoking cessation through health insurance

1. Provide coverage for smoking cessation counseling

2. Provide cessation information through a year round communications plan.

3. Provide coverage for pharmaceutical aids.

B. Cessation Initiatives

1. Provide employee incentives to stop smoking

2. Offer other wellness activities

II. Implementing a smoke free policy

A. Educate the workplace

1. Make hazards of second hand smoke known

2. Putting all policies in writing

B. Obtain management support

1. Provide training for managers/supervisors on enforcement

2. Ensure that restrictions and enforcement are equitable across job categories

III. Benefits of going smoke free

A. Going smoke free helps the environment

1. Reduces cleaning and maintenance costs

2. Reduces potential legal liability

3. Lowers the risk of fires and accidental injuries

B. Going smoke fee helps your body

1. Smokers cut back

2. Workers become healthier

3. Health care costs lower

Conclusion

Tobacco use among employees, as well as exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke can cost employers billions of dollars per year. Adopting a tobacco-free environment provides a safe, healthy place for people...