Employers urged to promote healthier workplaces

That’s the view of leading health and safety advisers Croner, which believes many employers may not be fully aware of the implications of the forthcoming ban on smoking. The company, which offers practical advice and support on workplace issues, wants bosses in England and Wales to be more vocal in issuing stronger anti-smoking health messages this year. The ban is already in place in Scotland. The new legislation to ban smoking comes into force in Wales from 2 April and England from 1 July this year and will cover all public spaces and workplaces. There will be a limited number of exceptions to the law, notably private homes, residential care homes, hotel rooms and prisons. Last year, Croner research revealed that there was considerable confusion among employers over the smoking ban in England, estimating that it would catch out almost one in four. The confusion occurred when 72% claimed that their organisation was already compliant with the forthcoming law, yet almost half (48%) said that they did not provide smoking areas for employees. This left at least 24% of employers believing they were compliant, when in actual fact they were not. Nearly a year on Croner wants employers to go one step further than just complying with the ban. It wants to see an improved nurturing of healthier workforces in an effort to reduce levels of absenteeism and the number of staff signed off on sick leave due to smoke-related illnesses. Smoking also results in lost productivity caused by smoking breaks. Over 30 million working days are lost in England and Wales through sickness caused by smoking according to ASH (Action on smoking and health). A review of the costs and benefits of making workplaces smoke free in England revealed that there would be a total net benefit of between £2.3 billion and £2.7 billion for businesses. Trevor Davies, health & safety expert at Croner, says: “A healthier workforce is a happier and more productive one, so employers should be consulting now with staff over exactly what the smoking ban will mean to them and what the consequences could be if they don’t. “It will take time for new workplace smoking policies to be implemented and understood, so employers have no need to panic. However, by acting soon rather than later, they can get ahead of the legislation and ensure they’re on top of every part of it when it comes into force.” Any employer unsure over their requirements under the new legislation, or if their organisation is exempt, should seek professional advice.