SOMKING POLICY

There is increase recognition of the need to restrict smoking in the workplace for medical, legal and financial reasons, including recognition of the health effects of passive smoking, of the need to manage the risk of liability from diseases caused by passive smoking, and of encouraging smoking cessation as part of health promotion in the workforce

. Medical evidence clearly shows that smoking is harmful to the health of smokers.Medical research has also established that second-hand smoke is a significant health hazard to non-smokers, which, if not controlled, has short-term effects such as irritation to the eyes, throat and respiratory tract, as well as long-term effects including impaired lung function and lung cancer

. The objective of this smoking policy is to protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke, thereby enhancing the air quality of the work environment for employees of the Municipality

. It is also anticipated that the eventual ban on smoking in the workplace will yield supplementary benefits, such as providing leadership on this issue for other employers, and reducing the level of sick leave benefits require