Smoke free workplace December 2015
Internal, Smoke free workplace, Version1, Page 1 of 4 December 2015
WHERE TO FIND THINGS Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Who’s this policy for? ....................................................................................................................................... 3 What does a smoke free work place mean? .................................................................................................... 3 How will this affect me? ................................................................................................................................... 3 What are my responsibilities?.......................................................................................................................... 3 What if I work in a distribution centre? ........................................................................................................... 3 Supporting you to quit smoking ...................................................................................................................... 3
Internal, Smoke free workplace, Version1, Page 2 of 4 December 2015
Introduction We want to provide a safe and healthy workplace for colleagues and this document outlines our policy regarding smoking in or around company buildings.
Who’s this policy for? This policy applies to you if you are a colleague who is a smoker, or wishes to stop smoking or a colleague, contractor, supplier or consultant who would like to know more about our smoking policy.
What does a smoke free work place mean? Each company building will have a designated smoking area. This could be a shelter or a space outside. Smoking is only allowed in these areas so please ask your manager where it is for your building. Smoking can only take place during your usual break times, but please let your manager know if you are leaving the building to do this (health and safety). If you wish to smoke then please keep to the following:
Dispose of cigarette butts, used matches and empty boxes in bins; Wash your hands after smoking and before returning to work; and If you work in a fresh food area please remove your hat and apron, and leave them in an appropriate storage area before going outside to smoke.
How will this affect me? A smoke free workplace means that it’s illegal to smoke within an enclosed workspace e.g. any of our offices, stores or distribution centres. This is to ensure that nonsmokers aren’t exposed to toxic second-hand smoke. We also don’t allow smoking in any of our vans or lorries, even if the driver is alone. Research is currently divided about the potential health risks of e-cigarettes for both the user and for people breathing in second-hand e-smoke. As we’re not clear on the potential risks to passive smokers we apply the same smoking restrictions and actions to e-cigarettes as cigarettes.
If you’re a duty manager (or facilities manager for a head office site) you are legally responsible for ensuring the whole site complies with this policy. The duty manager must ensure that no-one smokes on site. Duty managers who don’t enforce a smoking ban may be liable to disciplinary action. In the event of non-compliance, any or all of the parties involved might face prosecution. The local authority can fine you £50 for smoking on nosmoking premises. If you’re a duty manager (or facilities manager for a head office site) you can be fined £200 for allowing others to smoke on no-smoking premises, or for failing to display no-smoking signs.
What if I work in a distribution centre? Our distribution centres operate a bit differently to stores and offices due to health and safety regulations, so for full details, please speak to your manager. Smoking is allowed within the designated boundaries of the smoking area, which is generally outside the perimeter fence, but check for your site. You can smoke during any of your authorised breaks. If you want to leave the site, inform your manager and swipe/clock out. Smoking is allowed in your own, private car within the colleague car park, although not if it’s in the enclosed levels of a multi-story car park. As a driver you are unable to smoke in your cab and you can only smoke when you have your tachograph set to break.
Supporting you to stop smoking We want you to feel supported if you make the decision to stop smoking so there are a number of resources available to you, such as our Stop Smoking Support page on OurTesco. For more advice and guidance please call either the Employee Assistant Programme or Grocery Aid. These are independent sites where they offer you the chance to talk through any life, health or financial worries you may be having. You can find the contact numbers for both these sites on OurTesco.
What are my responsibilities? You’re responsible for following this policy and as it’s in line with the current law, if you don’t this is considered gross misconduct and we will take disciplinary action against you. Internal, Smoke free workplace, Version1, Page 3 of 4 December 2015
Policy info. Version
Date
of
No.
change
1
7th December
Summary of change New policy
2015
Policy owner:
[email protected] Ownership and confidentiality This document shouldn’t be shared with anyone externally without permission from your Director. This policy and any associated documentation remains the property of Tesco and should be returned if requested.
Internal, Smoke free workplace, Version1, Page 4 of 4 December 2015
