Smoke-free Workplace 8.8
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8.8 Smoke-free Workplace Contents Preamble ............................................................................................................................. 3 Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 3 Smoking ............................................................................................................................... 3 Electronic Cigarettes ............................................................................................................ 3 Tobacco Laws in Queensland.............................................................................................. 4 Smoking in the Workplace ................................................................................................... 4 Compliance .......................................................................................................................... 4 Smoking cessation support for staff ..................................................................................... 5 Supporting Documents ........................................................................................................ 6 Policies ............................................................................................................................. 6 Information ....................................................................................................................... 6 Training ............................................................................................................................ 6 Legislation ........................................................................................................................ 6 Responsible Officers ............................................................................................................ 6 Human Services Quality Framework Standards Indicators .................................................. 7 Human Resources............................................................................................................ 7 Version Details ..................................................................................................................... 7
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Preamble BigDog Support Services Pty Ltd (BigDog) recognises the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Smoking and passive smoking can cause or contribute to many diseases, including lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, respiratory disease (including asthma) and emphysema. BigDog believes that everyone has the right to a safe and healthy environment, free from the recognised dangers of tobacco smoking. We respect an individual's choice to smoke, and we ask smokers to respect the rights of others Research has also found that tobacco smoking contributes to reduced workplace productivity and increased absenteeism. Smoking anywhere inside a building significantly increases concentrations of tobacco smoke throughout the building, even if the windows are open, fans or filters are installed and doors to the smoking area are closed. Second-hand tobacco smoke contains toxins and carcinogens, and exposure can increase the risk of disease in non-smokers. In order to ensure the health of employees, contractors and visitors, and to provide a healthy and pleasant working environment, BigDog has developed a smoke-free workplace.
Objectives The objectives of the BigDog smoke-free workplace are: • To protect employees, contractors and visitors from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and provide a healthy workplace environment. • To provide smoking cessation support to employees.
Smoking Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and illness and leads to the death of more than 3,400 Queenslanders each year. Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are not good for your health.
Electronic Cigarettes Electronic cigarettes are also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vapes or personal vapourisers. While most e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, there are still toxic chemicals that could cause harm. They heat liquid, which usually contains nicotine, into a fine vapour for inhalation into the lungs. Products vary widely in design and operation, but typically consist of a battery, heating element, and a cartridge or refillable tank containing substances such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine and flavourings. Under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998 (the Act), electronic cigarettes (regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not) and related products are smoking products and subject to the Queensland smoking laws. 8.8 Smoke Free Workplace
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In Queensland, electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette products containing nicotine are illegal unless on prescription and supplied from a pharmacist or through Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) processes.
Tobacco Laws in Queensland Laws in Queensland include smoking bans for indoor and outdoor public places, as well as tough restrictions on the retail advertising, display and promotion of tobacco products. Section
Offence
Fined
Penalty
26ZJ(1)
Smoking within 5 metres of a BigDog building entrance
Smoker
2
26ZKA(1) Smoking at an outdoor pedestrian mall
Smoker
2
26R(1)
Smoking in an enclosed area
Smoker
2
26VH(1)
Smoking at a major sports facility
Smoker
2
26V(1)
Allowing a person to smoke in an enclosed area
BigDog
10
26S(2)
Failing to display the no-smoking sign at the entrance to a BigDog Community Centre
BigDog
2
Smoking in the Workplace Smoking of tobacco products (including e-cigarettes or vaping) is prohibited in all areas of BigDog workplaces with the exception of a designated outdoor smoking area. This applies to: ALL enclosed places located within our workplaces. ALL outdoor workplaces places within 5 metres of these designated workplaces. ALL vehicles owned or leased by BigDog. The following rules also apply: Employees are permitted to smoke during authorised breaks only. All tobacco products must be disposed of properly Employees are not permitted to smoke when they are acting in an official capacity. Employees will be required to undertake the NGO training module as part of their induction.
Compliance The Directors and coordinators are responsible for ensuring compliance with this smokefree workplace for areas under their personal responsibility. Employee compliance with this 8.8 Smoke Free Workplace
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is a condition of employment. Employees have a responsibility for ensuring visitors are informed of this and comply. This applies to all employees, contractors, clients and visitors to a BigDog workplace and is in effect at all times.
Smoking cessation support for staff BigDog will support and encourage employees to quit smoking. The following support is available: Participation in the free Workplace Quit Smoking Program. This program combines behavioural counselling (delivered by the Quitline service) with pharmacotherapy (Nicotine Replacement Therapy, such as patches, gum and lozenges). The partner, spouse or immediate family of an employee who is registered on the program can also participate in the program. Further information can be obtained from our Workplace Health and Safety Officer. Access to a range of information about tobacco smoke, including benefits of quitting, passive smoking and products to help you quit smoking. Ways to quit smoking Going ‘Cold Turkey’ Gradually cutting down Reducing the strength of the cigarette Nicotine replacement therapy Medication Other forms including hypnotherapy or acupuncture
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Supporting Documents Policies 8.0 WHS Human Resources
Information Kidshealth.org Passive Smoking Smoking in the workplace
Training WHS21 WHS Smoking in the Workplace 06 Drugs Alcohol and Smoking
Legislation Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998
Responsible Officers Steven Paull ............ Managing Director Courtney Carroll ....... Director Company Solicitor Leanne Gilkison ....... Operations Manager
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Human Services Quality Framework Standards Indicators Human Resources 6.1 BigDog has human resource management systems that are consistent with regulatory requirements, industrial relations legislation, work health and safety legislation and relevant agreements or awards.
Version Details Date January 2017 January 2019
January 2021
January 2022
July 2023
V
Details
1.0 Created Smoking Policy 4.0 Updated to new logo and formatting Included Operations Manager Removed Procedure from title Included cover page and contents Included e-cigarettes or vaping 4.1 Updated Responsible Officers details Changed ‘the director’ to ‘the directors’ Introduction of BigDog Training Portal and modules 4.2 Updated responsible officers Participants changed to clients to include child safety NGO Module included as an induction training module 6.0 Policy renamed to 8.8 Smoke Free Workplace
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