Smoke Free Workplace Policy (Oct 2, 2019)

SMOKE FREE WORKPLACE POLICY (OCT 2, 2019)

TO/ FOR : ALL CONCERNED
FROM : The Management
SUBJECT : Smoke Free Workplace Policy
DATE : 02 October 2019

SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND PROGRAM

         Pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9211 which specifically prohibits indoor smoking and protects people against second hand smoke, this company policy is hereby issued to protect its employees and clients against the hazard brought about by smoking.

         Smoke-free workplaces protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke and also encourage staff to either quit smoking or reduce their cigarette consumption. Successful implementation of this policy will depend on both the management and employee’s support.

I. PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

         Nelsoft Systems Inc shall notify all employees of this policy and shall establish a smokefree workplace policy awareness program. This will also be a part of orientation for newly-hired employees. A “NO SMOKING SIGN” shall be conspicuously displayed at floor areas which were designated as a NO SMOKING AREA. The roof top and the parking area are the only areas in the office in which employees will be allowed to smoke.

         Capacity building for speakers’ bureau, counsellors and the general workers population will be part of staff development program of the company.

         The ill-effects of smoking will be discussed during the training/orientation of employees which will be spearheaded by the Health and Safety Committee.

II. IMPLEMENTATION

         Worksite smoking policies aim mainly to protect non-smokers from Environmental Tobacco Smoke, (ETS), while the objective of worksite cessation program is to help employees who do smoke to give up the habit. The use of support groups of former smokers, HRDS staff, and medical staff that may act as educators/counsellors and support for workers to enable them in their wish of quitting the habit. Programs should be coordinated with managed-care providers’ offerings of tobacco assessment and counselling. Internally, physical activity, nutrition, and stress management will assist smokers to quit and to stay abstinent.

         Networking with health professionals, experts and organizations with the same advocacy is also being encouraged to create a partnership of sort. This may lead to better program implementation as their best practices may be replicated.

         Strengthening workers participation may encourage ownership of the program. Team Leaders per Department maybe assigned, he/she may assign secret marshals who would monitor the no smoking policy in their workplaces. Team leaders would also monitor the smoker’s diary (mandatory to smokers enrolled in the program) and the progress of the implementation of the smoking program in their office.

         Employees who wish to quit smoking shall be referred by the committee to DOH accredited smoking cessation clinics.

III. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

         The implementation of the smoke-free workplace policies and programs shall be monitored and evaluated periodically by the employer to ensure that the goal of an alcohol-free workplace is met. The Health and Safety Committee or other similar Committee shall be tasked for this purpose.

IV. EFFECTIVITY

All concerned shall comply with all the provisions of this company policy effective immediately.