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Step 1
After ensuring commitment from senior management bring together a group of key personnel and staff who can act as a working group to take the policy forward. Where appropriate the group should include the company Health and Safety representative, a human resources representative and officials from relevant trade unions.
Step 2
Consult with your workforce. The health and welfare of your employees requires them to be protected from exposure to secondhand smoke. Consultation should focus on how the policy wll be implemented not on whether the policy is required.
Step 3
Draft the policy and communicate it to all staff. To comply with section 49 of the Employment Protection (consolidation) Act 1978 provides that 12 weeks notice should be given to employees before implementing a new rule such as the introduction of smoking restrictions.
Step 4
Implement the policy. Ensure that the no smoking policy is written into all relevant documentation such as recruitment information, and that all new and existing employees, visitors and contractors are informed of the policy. Ensure that all employees are aware that the disciplinary procedure will be invoked if the policy is not complied with.
Step 5
The policy should be reviewed and monitored at agreed intervals (at least annually) to ensure that it still meets requirements. |