Developing a Smoking Policy

April 13, 2006

	Visited: 113
	Not rated
	Rate:

If your state law requires you to have a written policy on smoking, you'll need to create one. Because smoking is such a controversial subject, give your policy development the serious attention it deserves.

Before you write your policy. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider when you draft your policy:

Involve employees. Take input from smokers and nonsmokers.
Research state law and local ordinances.
Tailor your policy to comply with local law and with the needs of the particular worksite.
If you change your policy or implement a new policy, give sufficient notice beforehand. It's a major change of habit — allow employees time to adjust.
Properly communicate the policy.

What to include in your smoking policy. There are several components to a smoking policy that you should consider including:

A general statement of when and where employees can smoke.
A statement about where signs indicating smoking and no smoking areas are.
Information about smoking cessation programs, if you offer them.
A statement indicating that your business will not discriminate against smokers.

If you'd rather not formulate your own policy, our Business Tools area includes a smoking policy that you can customize for use and post in your business.

Posting your policy. There are several places where you can post your written policy, but make sure they comply with your state's requirements:

company bulletin board
employee changing room, restroom, or locker room
employee cafeteria, break, or lunch room
other areas where the employees may easily see the policy, such as a place where employees punch their time cards or record their hours

Check your state's laws to see what is required of your business.