How Can I Make My Workplace Smoke Free?

Benefits of a smoke free workplace

Introducing a smoke free policy could greatly benefit your workplace for the following reasons:

• Less employee absenteeism 
• Increased productivity on the job
• Decreased early retirement due to ill health
• Lower annual healthcare costs
• Lower risk of fire damage, explosions and other accidents related to smoking
• Lower fire insurance premiums
• Lower cleaning and maintenance costs
• Reduces the risk of legal action from the health impacts of secondhand smoke
  
• Reinforces the commitment to a healthier workplace
• Raises awareness of the health risks of smoking and encourages employees to cut down or quit

There are also legal requirements to provide a safe working environment, including protection from exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information contact the Department of Health, Tobacco Control Branch on 1300 784 892.

Developing a smoke free workplace policy

With a little planning a smoke free policy is easy to implement especially if employees, both smokers and non-smokers, are involved in its development.

For more information on developing a smoke free workplace policy you can visit the Cancer Council WA website or download the Department of Health WA’s Supporting smoke-free workplaces – a policy implementation guide.

Signage and Resources

“No smoking” signage in relation to smoking regulations and government policy has been produced by the Department of Health WA  and can be previewed online with instructions for ordering here.

For more information on making your workplace healthier, you can also visit Healthier Workplace WA.