Policy 15: Smoking policy, Vaping and e-cigarettes

About this policy

• 1. We are committed to protecting your health, safety and welfare and that of all those who work for us by providing a safe place of work and protecting all workers, service users, customers and visitors from exposure to smoke.
  2. All of our workplaces (including our vehicles) are smoke-free in accordance with the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and associated provisions. All staff and visitors have the right to a smoke-free environment.

Where is smoking banned?

• 1. Smoking is not permitted in any enclosed or substantially enclosed premises anywhere in our workplace. The ban applies to anything that can be smoked and includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, electronic or vaping cigarettes, pipes, cigars and herbal cigarettes.
  2. Anyone using our vehicles, whether as a driver or passenger, must ensure the vehicles remain smoke-free. Any of our vehicles that are used primarily for private purposes are excluded from the smoking ban.

Where is smoking permitted?

• 1. You may only smoke outside in designated areas during breaks. When smoking outside, you must dispose of cigarette butts appropriately.

Breaches of the policy

• 1. Breaches of this policy by any employee will be dealt with under our Disciplinary Procedure and, in serious cases, may be treated as gross misconduct leading to summary dismissal.
  2. Smoking in smoke-free premises or vehicles is also a criminal offence and may result in a fixed penalty fine and/or prosecution.