Smoking Regulations in the Workplace

Secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. It also can impact the circulatory and respiratory systems immediately. Exposure to secondhand smoke often occurs away from the home for nonsmokers, including inside the workplace. Smoking regulations are an important consideration for businesses, not only to set rules, but also to guard against secondhand smoke.
Purpose

Workplace smoking regulations spell out the specifics on whether is allowed in the workplace. For businesses that choose to allow smoking, the regulations should indicate where the activity is allowed. For example, you may restrict smoking to specific outdoor locations or require that the employees go to their vehicles to smoke. The company smoking policy also should include consequences if employees smoke when it is banned or engage in smoking in banned areas.

Legal Factors

Some states have established laws about smoking in the workplace, and these laws often govern both public and private places of employment. Other states focus primarily on public workplaces or allow for smoking in designated areas. Texas does not have a statewide workplace smoking ban, but a coalition of organizations called Smoke-Free Texas continues to push for such laws. Cities and municipalities also can enact smoking laws. For example, Houston prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of both public and private workplaces, as well as any outdoor space within 25 feet of any doors, handicapped ramps, functioning windows or intake areas for air conditioners.

Benefits

According to the American Cancer Society, there is no safe exposure level to secondhand smoke. Nonsmokers cannot avoid exposure when smoking is allowed on the premises. Smoking regulations in the workplace protect nonsmokers from the harmful side effects while they are on the job. The inability to smoke at work may encourage the smokers in the company to quit the unhealthy habit. The policy may also appeal to potential employees who don't smoke.

Actions

Create a written policy that addresses smoking in the workplace. All current employees should sign a copy of the policy to verify that they understand and agree to abide by the regulations. New employees should receive written details about the policy so they are aware of their inability to smoke at work. Allowing employees to smoke in designated areas still puts nonsmokers at risk for secondhand smoke exposure. Smoking near entrances causes exposure for other employees. Allowing any smoking indoors may lead to exposure even if nonsmokers aren't in the immediate area. Ventilation and air cleaning won't adequately remove the exposure risk.

* Shelley Frost, holds a BA in elementary education with a reading endorsement.