Some workplaces ignore anti-smoking legislation: health unit

Health units across northeastern Ontario will launch a “back to basics” campaign this month to reinforce the message that all Ontarians have a right to a smoke-free enclosed workplace.

It has been four years since the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) came into effect, but even today not all Ontarians are free from second-hand smoke in enclosed workplaces, a press release from the Sudbury and District Health Unit explained.

Examples of enclosed workplaces include office settings, warehouses, garages, and workplace vehicles such as taxis. Based on the circumstances, tobacco enforcement officers can charge employers and employees for smoking in the workplace.
 
“Although there is still work to be done, we are certainly proud of the efforts in our communities to protect people from second-hand smoke,” Leila Pilon, regional co-ordinator of the North East Tobacco Control Area Network, said in the press release.

“Many agencies, community partners, and workplaces have taken exceptionally positive measures to create smoke-free environments.”

The campaign being launched by health units will serve to remind individuals of the resources available through their local health unit related to smoking prevention and cessation, the press release said.

“Every month we have calls from employees and employers who are looking for support or enforcement to ensure that their rights to a smoke-free workplace are respected,” Ray Longchamp, a tobacco enforcement officer with the Sudbury & District Health Unit, said.

“We welcome these calls because it tells us that employers and employees understand their rights under the Act and that they want to protect their health. With help from individuals, we can continue to move towards 100 per cent smoke-free compliance in workplaces.”

For more information about the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, phone the Sudbury and District Health Unit at  522-9200, ext. 211 or visit www.sdhu.com.