Healthy at Work - Smoking
Tobacco dependence is the largest preventable health problem in the UK, affecting both employees and employers. It has a considerable impact on the balance sheets of all businesses in terms of workplace productivity and time off work. An estimated 34 million days annually are lost in England and Wales through sickness absence resulting from smoking-related illness.
There are four key reasons for introducing a workplace tobacco control policy:
- Better health - Second-hand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer and nasal sinus cancer. It can worsen asthma and cause eye irritation, sore throat and headaches. Workplace policies and support for cessation help employees who smoke to cut down or quit.
- Better business - Tobacco control policies save money. Smoke-free policies and cessation support can help reduce absenteeism and lost productivity and cut down on the costs associated with installing and maintaining outdoor smoking areas. Protecting workers from a known toxic hazard shows that employers care. A positive image is projected to the community and to customers.
- Complying with legislation - A growing number of laws and by-laws restrict smoking in workplaces. Most require employers to have written policies and ensure that they are followed.
- Employee satisfaction - In a recent national survey, 95 percent of non-smokers and 88 percent of smokers said that non-smokers should have a non-smoking work environment. Tobacco control policies help those employees who want to quit or cut down. A smoke-free workplace may reduce employee turn-over and help attract new employees.
|Use our online tool to find out how smoking can impact on your business.
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