Developing a smoke-free policy

Below are a few helpful hints to help you start developing your own smoke-free workplace policy:

• Establish a workplace committee
  
  • Include representatives from all parts of the organisation
  • Senior management support and commitment is vital

•  Involve employees (smokers and non-smokers)
  
  • This can be done through meetings or surveys
  • Helps identify staff attitudes or concerns about the workplace becoming smoke-free
  • Once identified, these attitudes or concerns can then be addressed

•  Formulate a written policy
  
  • Write clear objectives and how they will be achieved
  • Integrate the policy with other programs and procedures related to health and safety in the workplace
  • Ensure that the policy includes:
    • The purpose of the policy (i.e. to avoid the harmful effects of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke)
    • A link between the smoke-free policy and the organisational values
    • Time-frame for implementation
    • A clear statement of where smoking is not permitted, for example on the premises, in work vehicles, at work functions and whilst wearing work uniforms
    • Person/department who will enforce the policy (e.g. Human Resources)

• Communicate the policy to employees
  • Inform employees of the policy well before implementing it
    
  • Focus on the smoke not the smoker, i.e. emphasise the benefits of a clean air policy for both smokers and non-smokers rather than emphasising the rights of non-smokers

• Provide information and support to smokers
  
  • This could include newsletters, flyers, posters and emails promoting the risks of smoking and the benefits of quitting
  • Consider allowing employees time to access quit support services such as telephone information and counselling via Quitline (13 7848 or 13 QUIT) and Employee Assistance Programs.

• Determine consequences of non-compliance
  
  • Ensure this is fair and consistent with sanctions for breaches of other workplace policies

•  Follow a timetable for implementation
  
  • Allow a transition stage after the policy is announced for the employees to adjust
  • A good timeframe for the policy development and implementation is 4-12 months

•  Provide training
  
  • Provide training to health and safety and other key personnel on implementing the policy and providing support
  • Develop a referral system for services outside the workplace

• Evaluate and monitor implementation
  
  • Review the policy to access whether it is achieving its objectives
  • A review is recommended every 12-18 months

For more information on how to develop a smoke-free policy for your workplace

• Read: A guide to developing a smoke-free policy booklet 
  

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