13th March 2007, 07/87
Stubbed out for 'National No Smoking Day'
Smoking restrictions will start on 'National No Smoking Day' (14th
March) to protect the health of all staff and visitors to West
Lancashire District Council's buildings.
The Council's new smoking policy, which starts tomorrow, is
proactively ahead of government legislation to ban smoking in
public places from July 2007 in light of growing concerns about the
dangers of passive smoking.
It means that provisions will no longer be made for separate
smoking areas or smoking breaks for District Council employees in a
bid to protect everybody's health, safety and well-being.
Cllr Rob Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Human Resources, said: "For a
number of years we have had a restricted smoking policy. But with
the onset of new government legislation to ban smoking in enclosed
spaces, we have decided to play ahead of the game by making our
buildings smoke free. We have a health, safety and welfare legal
duty to protect all our employees and customers. The effects on
smoking and passive smoking on health are now well documented and
we know that this new policy will reduce these risks and provide a
healthier environment for everyone. We also hope that the support
we can offer employees to give up smoking will help them
succeed."
From 14th March all the shelters and smoking rooms in council
buildings will be closed. Staff will be able to smoke in their
lunch breaks, on the way to work or leaving the office, as long as
it is away from the buildings. Employees may still smoke in their
own vehicles but not when they are carrying official
passengers.
In preparation for the change, all staff have been given access to
a comprehensive list of questions and answers to ensure that
everyone fully understands the new policy and how they will be
affected.
As further measures, reminder signs are being displayed around all
council buildings and free smoking cessation sessions are also on
offer to provide support for any council employee who feels they
may benefit from it.
We have also publicised details of other support groups such as the
NHS Smoking Helpline and the Stop Smoking Service support group.
For anyone who would like to give up, contact 0800 1690169 .
Top tips to help you quit
· Keep your hands busy by sipping on water or nibbling on fruit
throughout the day
· Chew on sugar-free gum
· Cut up a straw in the shape of a cigarette and in-hale fresh
air
· Take up exercise or relaxation techniques
· Instead of thinking about cigarettes, think about what you can
spend the money you save on instead
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