Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the our company’s electronic cigarettes policy is to protect staff and visitors from the unknown health effects and other risks associated with electronic cigarettes.
These include:
- potential short and long-term health risks arising from use and exposure to second-hand vapour;
- the risk of nicotine poisoning; and
- injuries and property damage that can result from the malfunctioning of electronic cigarettes.
- support staff and visitors who are trying to quit smoking tobacco. Because electronic cigarette use mimics the act of smoking tobacco, being around people who use electronic cigarettes might trigger cravings to smoke tobacco cigarettes for people who are trying to quit.
- prohibit illegal products, as it is unlawful to possess and use electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine in [insert state].
Scope
Smoking anywhere inside a building significantly increases concentrations of tobacco smoke throughout the building, even if the windows are open, fans or filters are installed and doors to the smoking area are closed. Second-hand tobacco smoke contains toxins and carcinogens, and exposure can increase the risk of disease in non-smokers.
In order to ensure the health of staff, contractors and visitors, and to provide a healthy and pleasant working environment, the company has developed the following smoke-free workplace policy to take effect from [Start date of policy].
Policy Statement
Start date
- The policy is effective from [start date of policy].
- Smoking tobacco and electronic cigarette use the company prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes within its buildings, premises, plant and vehicles. This applies to all staff and visitors too.
In addition to use, the following is also prohibited:
- Putting electronic cigarettes on charge
- Possession of any electronic cigarette or refill vial that contains nicotine (which is against the law in state).
- The phrase “electronic cigarette” includes a broad category of products including eshisha, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-Hookas, hookah-pens, vape-pipes, e-cigs, and e-cigarettes that are designed to allow users to inhale nicotine and/or other chemicals. It covers both nicotine and nicotine-free products.
- Smoking breaks/ breaks to use electronic cigarettes
Staff members are not permitted to use electronic cigarettes on company grounds. Use of electronic cigarettes is only allowed during designated breaks, outside of company grounds. Note however that possession of an electronic cigarette that contains nicotine is prohibited under the law (and by this policy) so you will not be able to store such a product at work for use on breaks. Refer to ‘compliance with the policy’ for managing breaches of this policy.
- Supporting staff members who smoke/use electronic cigarettes
- To help electronic cigarette users who smoke and smokers who wish to modify or quit smoking tobacco products, [name of workplace] will provide support to help them adjust to the changes. This includes: [list supports provided. For example]
- Promoting the Quitline 13 7848
- Making health information available
- Providing free/ subsidised nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches for 10 weeks)
- Compliance with the policy (for staff) [a clear statement is required on what the consequences are if a staff member is non-compliant with the policy].
- Compliance with the policy (for visitors)
The following three-step non-compliance strategy will be followed if a visitor breaches the company‘s electronic cigarette policy:
- Assume that the person is unaware of the policy.
- A staff member or security staff will approach the person breaching the policy and politely ask them to refrain from electronic cigarette use and advise or remind them about the electronic cigarette policy.
- If the behaviour continues, the person will be made aware that if they do not stop using the electronic cigarette, they will be required to leave the facility.
This Policy is to be reviewed within 12 months for continuing suitability. It is subject to review earlier if the organisation deems it necessary or if there is a change in legislation.
Responsibilities
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance with this smoke-free workplace policy for areas under their personal responsibility. Staff compliance with this policy is a condition of employment. All staff have a responsibility for ensuring visitors are informed of and comply with, this policy.