« Go Back Assess the current situation so you know where your company stands

Why: 

There are many health consequences due to tobacco use and secondhand smoke such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, lung disease, and asthma. Of all current smokers, an estimated 32 million (about 70 percent) report that they would like to quit smoking completely.  A smoker who quits could save the employers an estimated $960 in excess illness costs each year.  Persons who quit smoking before age 65 are estimated to save from 40 percent to 67 percent of the lifetime excess medical costs of persons who continue to smoke.

How:

Review your company’s current policies, practices and employee attitudes in regard to tobacco policies.  You can use the checklist below:

Current Smoking/Tobacco Use Policy and Practices Checklist: Our current smoking policy allows tobacco use by employees and visitors:

• In offices
• In designated smoking rooms
• Other places inside
• Just outside the door
• In the parking lot
• In designated smoking areas outside
• In vehicles
• Other places outside (list)

Employees and visitors currently use tobacco:

• In office
• In designated smoking rooms
• Other places inside
• Just outside the front door
• In the parking lot
• In designated smoking areas outside
• In vehicles
• Other places outside (list)

Review any state or local regulations of tobacco use in the workplace and inquire of how other businesses in the area approach this issue.