Guidelines for Designated Smoking Areas in the Workplace

Where is the Correct Location for Employees to Smoke?

Introduction

In the modern workplace, where health and safety concerns are paramount, employers have a responsibility to provide a smoke-free environment for their employees. Designated smoking areas (DSAs) offer a compromise, allowing smokers to indulge in their habit while minimizing the exposure of non-smokers to secondhand smoke. This article explores the key factors to consider when establishing DSAs, including legal requirements, health implications, and best practices.

Legal Requirements

In many countries, laws and regulations mandate employers to provide designated smoking areas for employees. These laws vary from country to country, but they generally require employers to create smoke-free indoor spaces and establish outdoor DSAs that are adequately ventilated and separated from non-smoking areas.

Health Implications

Secondhand smoke is a major health hazard that can cause a range of illnesses, including heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), secondhand smoke causes an estimated 50,000 deaths from heart disease and 40,000 deaths from lung cancer annually. By designating smoking areas outside and away from non-smoking areas, employers can significantly reduce the health risks associated with secondhand smoke.

Best Practices for Designated Smoking Areas

When establishing DSAs, employers should adhere to the following best practices:

• Choose a suitable location: DSAs should be placed in outdoor areas that are well-ventilated, away from entrances, windows, and air intakes.
• Provide adequate ventilation: Outdoor DSAs should have sufficient airflow to prevent secondhand smoke from drifting into non-smoking areas.
• Create designated non-smoking areas: Clearly mark non-smoking areas and enforce the no-smoking policy within these areas.
• Encourage smoking cessation: Provide resources and support for employees who wish to quit smoking.

Benefits of Designated Smoking Areas

DSAs offer several benefits for both smokers and non-smokers:

• Improved health: By separating smokers from non-smokers, DSAs reduce the exposure to secondhand smoke and improve the overall health of employees.
• Enhanced productivity: Smoke-free workplaces have been shown to increase employee productivity by reducing distractions and absenteeism.
• Reduced absenteeism: Employees who suffer from secondhand smoke exposure are more likely to experience health problems and take sick days.
• Positive company culture: DSAs promote a sense of fairness and respect for employees who smoke and those who do not.

Tips for Managing Designated Smoking Areas

• Regularly inspect DSAs: Ensure that DSAs are clean, well-ventilated, and in compliance with regulations.
• Address complaints promptly: Respond to any complaints regarding secondhand smoke or DSA conditions in a timely and professional manner.
• Educate employees: Inform employees about the importance of designated smoking areas and the health risks associated with secondhand smoke.

Step-by-Step Approach to Establishing Designated Smoking Areas

1. Review legal requirements: Determine the legal obligations in your jurisdiction regarding designated smoking areas.
2. Assess health risks: Identify the potential health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure in your workplace.
3. Identify suitable locations: Choose outdoor areas that meet the criteria for DSAs, as outlined in the best practices section.
4. Establish non-smoking areas: Clearly mark non-smoking areas and enforce the policy.
5. Provide resources for smokers: Offer resources and support to employees who wish to quit smoking.

Potential Drawbacks of Designated Smoking Areas

• Increased outdoor smoke exposure: DSAs may increase the exposure of non-smokers to secondhand smoke in outdoor areas.
• Potential fire hazards: Smoking areas should be monitored to prevent fire hazards, especially in dry or windy conditions.
• Negative impact on company image: Some businesses may be concerned that DSAs convey a negative image or attract negative attention.

Call to Action

Smoking in the workplace continues to raise health concerns and legal challenges. By providing designated smoking areas, employers can protect the health of their employees, comply with regulations, and create a more positive and productive work environment.

Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned

1. The "Stealth Smoker": One company had a strict no-smoking policy, but an employee found a creative way to sneak in a cigarette. He would go to the bathroom, lock the stall, and smoke while sitting on the toilet. Unfortunately, the smell of smoke leaking from the stall alerted his colleagues, and he was quickly discovered and reprimanded.

2. The "Ashtray Avenger": In another workplace, a non-smoker was constantly annoyed by cigarette smoke drifting from the DSA into her workspace. In retaliation, she began placing small ashtrays on her desk and around the DSA, creating a subtle but pointed reminder of the nuisance that secondhand smoke caused her.

   

3. The "Smoking Cessation Miracle": One company had a particularly successful smoking cessation program. Employees who quit smoking were rewarded with a large bonus. One employee took advantage of this offer and quit smoking. However, he soon noticed that he had gained weight from the extra food he was eating to compensate for the lack of nicotine. So, he started smoking again to lose the weight!

Conclusion

Designated smoking areas have become an essential part of modern workplaces. By following the best practices outlined in this article, employers can create DSAs that protect the health of their employees, comply with regulations, and enhance the overall work environment. While DSAs may not be a perfect solution, they offer a compromise that allows smokers to indulge in their habit without compromising the health of their colleagues.

Tables

Table 1: Health Risks of Secondhand Smoke

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Table 2: Benefits of Designated Smoking Areas

Table 3: Potential Drawbacks of Designated Smoking Areas