Over 3 Million Non-Smokers Exposed To Cigarette Smoke At Work - New Guide Aims To Tackle The Problem

Over three million (3.4m) non-smokers have to work in places where they are frequently exposed to other people's cigarette smoke, according to survey results published by ASH, the National Asthma Campaign, and the TUC.

In the MORI survey, 21 % of non-smokers questioned came into contact with tobacco smoke frequently, whilst 18% complained that they did so occasionally. The research suggests that although some employers have taken action to tackle smoking, there are still many workplaces where unrestricted smoking is the norm.

In an attempt to encourage healthier workplaces, today also sees the publication of Smoking at Work: The Butt Stops Here - a practical report from the health-conscious trio on how to banish smoking from the workplace without victimising workers who smoke. Designed to give practical help to those who want a smoking policy, it sets out the health risks of passive smoking, and warns that the legal position is unclear when it comes to smoking at work

Smoking at Work: The Butt Stops Here says that although there are many elements to a successful smoking policy, the bottom line is that workers should expect to work in surroundings free from other people's tobacco smoke. Even in workplaces where the employer sees smoking as crucial to the success of the business - in pubs, restaurants and hotels for example - there are a variety of measures which can be introduced to protect staff.

"Many people suffer because of smoking at work. Some because they can't, some because others do. At the moment the law is unclear and this confusing situation helps no-one. Unions and employers must work in partnership to agree a smoking policy in every workplace which protects the health and welfare of smokers and non-smokers alike", said TUC General Secretary, John Monks.

"Most people would like to work in a smoke free environment, but for some, especially those with asthma, it is more than a welfare issue. Their choice is either smoke free workplaces or ill health, and in some extreme cases it can even mean unemployment" explained National Asthma Campaign Chief Executive Anne Bradley.

Clive Bates, Director of ASH, said: "it really is a disgrace that three million people still work in smoky surroundings when we know passive smoking can cause everything from a sore throat to head disease and lung cancer. Most employers want to do something about it, or have done so already, but you just can't declare that smoking is banned and call it a smoking policy. What we've done is put together a practical manual on how to do it, the pros and cons of the various options and the pitfalls to avoid."

In Smoking at Work: The Butt Stops Here, the three organisations call upon the Health and Safety Commission to clarify the law on health, safety and welfare at work with an Approved Code of Practice so that employers understand their legal obligations and employees know their rights.

• the harmful effects of smoking on workers' health and welfare;
• the current state of the law on smoking at work, with examples of recent compensation and unfair dismissal cases;
• how to establish a workplace smoking policy.

ASH's workplace resources www.ash.org.uk/work.html contain the new guide, and other documents and links aimed to help anyone introducing a workplace smoking policy.

Technical details

• Between 5-8 March 1999, MORI asked 1,029 people in full or part time work how often - frequently, occasionally, rarely or never - they came into contact with tobacco smoke at their place of work.
• ASH is an organisation that provides information about all aspects of tobacco and works to advance policies and measures that will help to prevent addiction, disease and unnecessary premature death caused by smoking.
• The National Asthma Campaign is the independent UK charity working to conquer asthma, in partnership with people with asthma and all who share their concern, through a combination of research, education and support.
• The TUC is the national centre for trade unions in Great Britain. it provides training for safety reps, as well as general advice and information on asthma, other workplace health and safely issues and all other matters connected with the world of work.