The Government’s Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH) estimates that exposure to second hand smoke increases the risks of both heart disease and lung cancer by around 25%.
Other conditions associated with exposure to second hand smoke include: nasal cancer, asthma, respiratory problems, middle ear disease, reduced fertility, miscarriage and low birth weight, eye irritation, nausea and headaches.
Impacts of smoking in the workplace
Smoking and exposure to second hand smoke can have a major impact on the workplace.
Higher sickness rates lead to:
- more sick pay;
- lost productivity and output;
- increased absenteeism (1.5 million days/year in Greater Manchester);
- increased stress levels.
Smoking can create a number of the following other costs for employers.
- Cleaning and redecoration.
- Providing facilities for both smokers and non-smokers.
- An increased fire risk (smoking causes 10% of accidental fires in the workplace).
- Higher fire insurance premiums.
What are the benefits of a smoke free workplace?
- Increased productivity
- Reduced sickness and absence
- Improved staff morale
- Reduced legal costs connected with health and safety issues
- An increase in the positive image projected by the company
- No need for expensive ventilation systems
- Compliance with future laws
Under the new laws, employers are responsible for ensuring smoking does not occur within enclosed and substantially enclosed parts of the premises, and face substantial penalties from Environmental Health for non-compliance.
People smoking in your premises are also subject to Fixed Penalty Notices. Anyone with doubts about the implications of the law for their business should contact the Bury Environmental Health Team.
Did you know?
From October 2006, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 made it a legal responsibility to produce a Fire Risk Assessment. A smoke free premise is a significant control measure in any Fire Risk Assessment undertaken and produced.
How to contact us
Bury Environmental Health Team, Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury, BL9 0DG
Phone: 0161 253 5566
Email: environmentalhealth@bury.gov.uk
More information
Find out more about Fire Risk Assessments at these websites:
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service website
The Government's Fire Gateway
Phone the Fire & Rescue Service in Bury on: 0161 909 0327
