Why You Need a No Smoking Policy Now!
No butts about it, smoking at your business is NOT a healthy choice
No one should have to choose between their health and their job. Nearly 60 percent of people across the country are protected by comprehensive smoke-free laws where they work, according to the American Cancer Society.
The harmful effects of smoking aren’t news to anyone. Cigarette smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. Not surprised? That means one in five deaths is caused by smoking.
Per the American Cancer Society, many state and local governments now require workplaces to be smoke-free and some states even have strict state-specific smoking regulation signs in place.
Incorporating a no smoking policy at your workplace could have a greater impact on the health of your employees and the success of your business. Smoking does more than cause serious health problems – it can make customers less likely to go into your business, ultimately giving you a smoky reputation.
Many employers are catching onto the negative effects of smoking and are advocating for no smoking workplaces, too. Concerned about the health of their employees and the growth of their business, company-wide no smoking policies are becoming the safer, healthier choice.
Informing others about your new no smoking company policy is critical for its success. The best time to alert others that smoking is prohibited is as soon as they drive onto your property - -right in the parking lot with No Smoking Signs.
When employees smoke on the company property, non-smokers are subjected to secondhand smoke, and those visiting your business see and smell the cigarette butts as soon as they walk through your front doors.
With a successful no smoking policy, businesses don’t have to stress that smokers are lighting up in restricted areas – with the potential for explosions, fires, and serious hazards - which are higher if chemicals or hazardous material are being stored in the area.
Many organizations, such as, TobaccoFree.org and Cancer.org are continuing to encourage businesses to empower smokers to quit and run a smoke-free workplace.
How does a no smoking policy benefit the workplace?
- Direct health insurance rates go down
- Creates a safer, healthier workplace
- Managers are relieved when there is a clearly defined process for dealing with tobacco in the workplace.
- Risks of fires and serious injuries from explosives is lower
- Maintenance costs go down when tobacco, smoke, matches, and cigarette butts are taken out of the work facilities.
- Less sick days from tobacco-related illnesses.
Motivate your employees to quit smoking by offering resources, words of encouragement, and recognizing their accomplishments. Steps to Manage Quit Day are noted on smokefree.gov.
Protect your employees by creating a healthy workplace with a no smoking policy, today. Don’t let your business get lost in the smoke. Learn more about effective No Smoking Signs and Labels here.
Resources:
Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking
