This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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National No Smoking Day
10/03/2004
Tougher measures are published today - National No Smoking Day - offering better protection for council workers from the ill effects of tobacco.
The guidelines, outlined by Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe, are designed to help local authorities in reviewing their workplace smoking policies.
They include:
- Establishing a working group and making links with Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) and other NHS services
- Consulting and involving staff and gain the support of the senior management team
- Putting the policy in writing and making it easily understood
- Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the policy
Speaking in St Andrews, Mr McCabe said:
"Smoking remains the most important preventable cause of ill-health and premature death in Scotland and is a major factor in health inequalities across the country.
"Action to tackle smoking lies at the very heart of our drive to achieve a more rapid rate of health improvement in Scotland.
"It is therefore essential to have effective non-smoking policies in the workplace to ensure no-one is involuntarily exposed to someone else's smoke.
"The Executive will be encouraging employers across all sectors to review their health and safety arrangements with regard to tobacco smoke, thereby increasing the number of employees enjoying the benefit of a smoke-free atmosphere.
"The Executive is currently reviewing its own smoking policy and I would encourage local authorities to follow our lead. This new guidance is based on current experience and knowledge and will be of enormous help in this process.
"New policies may take some time to develop and implement but there is much to be gained by responding to the guidelines, particularly reducing staff illness, but also guarding against legal action from those exposed to second-hand smoke."
The guidelines are a joint publication between NHS Health Scotland, ASH Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.
Earlier this year, the Executive launched A Breath of Fresh Air for Scotland - the Tobacco Control Action Plan which contained a range of measures aimed at reduced tobacco-related harm in Scotland. Within the Plan was a commitment to consult on smoking in public places and the risks of second-hand smoke. The consultation will be formally launched later this year.
Smoking is the single greatest preventable cause of ill-health and premature death in this country, accounting for more than 13,000 deaths and 33,500 hospital admissions - at an estimated cost of £200 million each year.