9 Months SMOKING AT WORK POLICY

1.         Introduction

1.1       This policy has been developed to help provide a healthy, safe and comfortable environment by intending to protect everyone against the effects of second-hand smoke and promote health in the workforce: . 

1.2       Breathing in second-hand smoke leads to:

• A 24% increased risk of contracting lung cancer in non smokers.
• A 23% and 25% increased risk of heart disease in smokers and non-smokers respectively.
• Cause or trigger asthma.

as well as many other illnesses and minor conditions

1.3       Section 2(2)(e) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to provide a working environment for employees that is:

"..safe, without risks to health, and adequate as regards facilities and arrangements for their welfare at work."

Under European Legislation, smoking in a rest room where food is eaten is only permitted where there is a non-smoking alternative.

The Health Act 2006 prohibits smoking (smoking or being in the possession of lit tobacco, anything containing tobacco or any other substance) in all public premises including workplaces and work owned/hire cars.

By 1 July 2007 it is proposed that all enclosed workplaces will be smoke free.

2.         Purpose of this policy

2.1       The purpose of this smoking at work policy is to provide a healthier environment for all staff at the nursery by the adoption of a smoke-free environment in all nursery owned and operated premises and vehicles.  This policy contributes to the rights of all employees and seeks to take reasonable, practical steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, volunteers, service users and visitors. 

2.2       The Health Act 2006 prohibits smoking (smoking or being in the possession of lit tobacco, anything containing tobacco or any other substance) in all public premises including workplaces and Charity owned/hire cars.

3.         Policy

3.1       From 1 July 2007 9 Months Nursery will become a smoke free workplace.  This means that:-

• I. smoking or being in possession of lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes is not permitted in any premises occupied or utilised by nursery staff, and visitors, or in nursery owned/hire cars;

• II. smoking is not permitted immediately outside the entrances, stairways, fire exits, car parks or open windows of any such premises (due to the risks of passive smoking);

• III. smoking will be permitted to continue, as at present, in designated external areas, as guided by Line Managers.

3.3       Casual/Essential Car users

Car users are not required to refrain from smoking during the course of work that is carried out for the Pre-school Learning Alliance in their car, unless they invite others into the car for work purposes.

3.4       Signage

It is a nursery policy to make sure that no-smoking signs, complying with the requirements of the regulations under the Health Act 2006, are displayed on its premises and company cars

3.5       Visitors

Visitors and other members of the public will be made aware of the policy by means of general publicity and signs/notices at all entrances to the nursery sites and in waiting areas.

4.0       Smoking Breaks

4.1       There is no automatic right to smoke and smoking breaks should involve minimum disruption to service delivery. 

4.2       The time taken for a smoke break is to be treated as a breaktime and needs to be made up by the employee.  Smoking breaks are best taken during natural or rest breaks where possible such as coffee or lunch to avoid the need to make up additional time.  However, if the service delivery is affected by taking time out to smoke then managers will take preventative measures.  If taking excessive time out, unauthorised time, or returning consistently late from a smoke break, then the employee may face action through the disciplinary procedure.

5.0       Implementation & Review

5.1       This policy is intended to benefit employees, volunteers, service users and visitors who also have a responsibility for continually abiding by its implementation.

5.2       Smoking on work premises or in nursery owned/hire cars will be an offence under the Health Act 2006.  In the unlikely event that a member of the nursery does not comply with the policy, disciplinary action may be taken.

5.3       Signs will be placed where necessary to inform visitors.  There will be no ashtrays or cigarette lighters inside the building. 

5.4       Penalties

There will be a fixed penalty notice of £50 imposed on any individual smoking in smoke free premises or work vehicles.  Or a maximum fine of £200 if prosecuted and convicted by a court.  This will be enforced by the Local Authority.

6.0       Maintaining this Policy

6.1       The nursery will monitor the effectiveness of this policy and its general compliance within the organisation.

6.2       This policy will be kept up to date and amended accordingly to reflect any changes in response to revised legislation and applicable standards and guidelines.

6.3       This policy is fully supported by Pre-school Learning Alliance.  In support of this intent, the policy will be reviewed at least annually. 

7.0       Sources of Further Information

7.1       Local NHS Stop Smoking Services - to find your local service, call the NHS Smoking Helpline free on 0800 169 0169; text ‘Give up' and your full postcode to 88088 or ask at your local GP practice, pharmacy or hospital.

7.2       NHS Smoking Helpline - indviduals can speak to a specialist adviser by calling 0800 169 0169 (lines are open daily from 7am to 11pm).

7.3       http://www.gosmokefree.co.uk/ - an online resource for all the advice, information and support needed to stop and stay stopped.

7.4       Together - this support programme is free to join, and is designed to help individuals stop smoking using both medical research as well as insights from ex-smokers.  You can choose to receive e:mails; text messages; mailing packs and phone calls.  Call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169 or visit http://www.gosmokefree.co.uk/. 

7.5       http://www.givingupsmoking.co.uk/ - provides useful advice on how to give up and provides regular supportive e:mails.

7.6       There are a number of websites which provides help to people who want to stop smoking:- http://www.patient.co.uk/; http://www.nosmokingday.org.uk/; http://www.nicorettesmokefree.co.uk/; http://www.quit.co.uk/; http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/; http://www.activestop.co.uk/.