A new year brings New Year resolutions. We are sure with last year's change in legislation on the ban of smoking in all public places, many of your staff have taken the start of a new year to finally kick the habit.

Here is a brief reminder on the Smoke Free Regulations - The situation is as follows:

Scotland
On 26 March 2006, the law on smoking in Scotland changed.

Wales
The Smoke Free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations 2007 came into force on the 2nd of April 2007.

England
From 1st July 2007, all public places and workplaces became smoke-free in England, with the exception of a limited number of exemptions under the Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006.

Further information on the requirements under this new legislation and what it means for businesses, employers, employees and the public can be found at the following address:
http://www.smokefreeengland.co.uk/

An information service is also available on 0800 169 1697.
Alternatively the Department of Health can be contacted at:
Tel. 020 7210 4850
E-mail: dhmail@dh.gsi.gov.uk
Internet: www.dh.gov.uk

HSE and smoke free legislation

HSE is not responsible for enforcing the legislation but will fully support Local Authority officers both in raising employers' awareness of their responsibilities and in encouraging employers and employees to comply with the new legislation above. HSE inspectors will bring matters of concern to the attention of the employer, particularly if it involves a number of smokers or if there is a failure to display warning notices. Should the employer resist acting on this advice, the inspector will then bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate local authority. Any complaints received by HSE about the smoking ban will be referred to the appropriate local authority.

Even with new smoke-free legislation, HSE's advice on protecting employees from the effects of second hand smoke remains unchanged in that:

1. Employers should have a specific policy on smoking in the workplace.
2. Employers should take action to reduce the risk to the health and safety of their employees from secondhand smoke to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. 
3. Smoking policy should give priority to the needs of non-smokers who do not wish to breathe tobacco smoke.
4. Employers should consult their employees and their representatives on the appropriate smoking policy to suit their particular workplace.

If you would like further information about smoking, you can contact the Department of Health's Customer Service Centre on 020 7210 4850, or visit the Department of Health's tobacco website. Further information about smoking can also be found on the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) website. http://www.newash.org.uk/

So whilst many of your staff are concentrating on quitting, the rest of the office may need to take a look at 'Stress' and 'Violence in the workplace' both subjects can be found in the management and A-Z sections of our site!!

Good Luck and a happy and prosperous New Year to you all.