Why should you implement a smoking/no smoking policy?

Laws in some states require a written policy or a followed practice.

• The majority of employees seem to be in favor of smoking restrictions.
• Smoking is a health hazard. Smoking-related illnesses endanger the smoker directly and the nonsmoker indirectly. You need to make reasonable accommodation, wherever possible, for those employees who have allergies or physical reactions to tobacco smoke. In addition, simply separating smokers from nonsmokers within the same air space will not eliminate exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.
• Employees are suing. One of the rationales is simply that the right of an individual to risk his or her own health does not include the right to jeopardize the health of those who must remain in the area of the smoker in order to properly perform their jobs.
• Nonsmoking employees are suing not only to restrict smoking, but are suing for disability, workers' compensation, and unemployment compensation.
• Employees that smoke account for higher insurance premiums, increased medical payments and higher absenteeism rates.
• Smoking policies appear to be followed by a decrease in smokers' cigarette consumption at work.

Reprinted with permission. © CCH