Over the years, evidence from various studies has pointed to the significant harmful effects of secondhand smoke. As a result, many state and local governments have passed a variety of laws banning smoking from places of employment. However, there are some states that still allow smoking in the workplace.
It is in an employer’s best interest to adopt no smoking policies. Not only can this reduce workers’ compensation premiums but it can also help alleviate litigation that may surface due to secondhand smoke exposure. Employers are expected to keep employees from harm. With so much evidence showing adverse effects from secondhand smoke, keeping it away from the office is beneficial to everyone.
Many employees who have been subject to secondhand smoke against their will at a place of employment have filed workers compensation suits as well as sued their employers for harmful exposure.
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a carcinogen A, which qualifies a huge risk to public health. In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General has determined that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke and that regardless of proper ventilating in workplaces, a non-smoker is not completely safe from the smoke.
If you are an employer, consider making your place of employment free of secondhand smoke. You may save yourself a lot of litigation, workers’ compensation issues and high premiums.