Smoke-Free Workplace Policy and Program

SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY AND PROGRAM

Pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9211 which specifically prohibits indoor smoking and protects people against second hand smoke, this school policy is hereby issued to protect its employees and clients against the hazard brought about by smoking.

Smoke-free workplaces protect non-smokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke and also encourage staff to either quit smoking or reduce their cigarette consumption. Successful implementation of this policy will depend on both the management and employees support.

I. PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

SACRED HEART COLLEGE shall notify all employees of this policy and shall establish a smoke-free workplace policy awareness program. This will also be a part of orientation for newly-hired employees. A “NO SMOKING” signs shall be conspicuously displayed within the school premises.

Capacity building for speakers’ bureau, counsellors and the general workers population will be part of staff development program of the school.

The ill-effects of smoking will be discussed during the training/orientation of employees which will be spearheaded by the Health and Safety Committee.

II. IMPLEMENTATION

Worksite smoking policies aim mainly to protect non-smokers from Environmental Tobacco Smoke, (ETS), while the objective of worksite cessation program is to help employees who do smoke to give up the habit. The use of support groups of former smokers, HRD staff, and medical staff that may act as educators/counsellors and support for workers to enable them in their wish of quitting the habit. Programs should be coordinated with managed-care providers’ offerings of tobacco assessment and counselling. Internally, physical activity, nutrition, and stress management will assist smokers to quit and to stay abstinent.

Networking with health professionals, experts and organizations with the same advocacy is also being encouraged to create a partnership of sort. This may lead to better program implementation as their best practices may be replicated.

Strengthening workers participation may encourage ownership of the program. Team Leaders per Department maybe assigned, he/she may assign secret marshals who would monitor the no smoking policy in their workplaces. Team leaders would also monitor the smoker’s diary (mandatory to smokers enrolled in the program) and the progress of the implementation of the smoking program in their office.

Employees who wish to quit smoking shall be referred by the committee to DOH accredited smoking cessation clinics.

III. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The implementation of the smoke-free workplace policies and programs shall be monitored and evaluated periodically by the employer to ensure that the goal of an alcohol-free workplace is met. The Health and Safety Committee or other similar Committee shall be tasked for this purpose.

IV. EFFECTIVITY

All concerned shall comply with all the provisions of this school policy effective immediately.

Sr. Maria Luisa B. Javier, DC Arnel L. Cadeliña

President Employee’s Representative