Tobacco Use Where We Work

Employers can do even more to protect their employees!
It’s no secret why worksites that extend tobacco-free policies to their outdoor property are becoming the norm. Benefits include:

• Protecting employees, visitors and clients from the harmful and damaging effects of secondhand smoke exposure.
• Creating an environment that supports tobacco-free choices.  
• Lowering absenteeism and increasing worker productivity.
• Reducing maintenance costs by eliminating tobacco product litter and fire hazards.
• Increasing curb appeal and reducing loitering.
• Being responsive to the majority of New Yorkers who notice and appreciate the improvements of tobacco-free environments.

Certain employers have the most to gain

Across the state, community partners have supported hundreds of organizations and businesses in achieving their tobacco-free goals, including many here in the Capital District. All employers that make their property tobacco-free will reap the benefits, but certain employers may have the most to gain. 

• Businesses that have the highest rates of tobacco-using employees, such as those in the food service, construction and transportation industries.
• Community-based agencies providing services to populations that are disproportionately impacted by tobacco use, including people with low-socioeconomic status, people with behavioral health issues, and members of the LGBTQ community. 
• Businesses that provide family- and youth-friendly services.
• Municipalities because they have a special responsibility to make public services and programs accessible to all members of the community, including those with health conditions that can be exacerbated by exposure to secondhand smoke and e-cigarette emissions.

Learn more:
Good Health is Good Business: A Tobacco-Free Workplace Policy Guide
The Workplace Policy Guide provides excellent guidance for transitioning to a tobacco-free workplace and we’re here to help you customize that guidance to your particular needs. 

Take the first step, Contact Us.

How we can help:
-Telephone, email, or in-person technical assistance, including presentations or information sessions.
-Sample policies, sample employee outreach materials, FAQs, and timelines.
-Assistance in identifying and accessing local cessation services for your employees. No-cost tobacco-free signage for your property.