The Risks of Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous to bystanders as to the person smoking, causing nearly 34,000 nonsmoking American deaths each year.2 Despite these risks, Oklahoma is one of the only states without any 100% smoke-free policies, leaving many in our workforce exposed to these toxic chemicals, 70 of which are known carcinogens. Secondhand smoke also increases the risk of heart disease, respiratory diseases and other illnesses.
What Are Oklahoma’s Smoking Laws?
Oklahoma regulates indoor smoking under the Smoking in Public Places and Indoor Workplaces Act, which was created to reduce secondhand smoke in public places. The policy bans smoking in enclosed public spaces including restaurants, schools, retail stores, offices and government buildings. While this is a huge win for our state, exemptions to the act include:
- Hotels
- Bars
- Private Clubs
- In-home daycares
Workers and children in these environments are exposed to dangerous levels of secondhand smoke. Smoke settles on toys, tables and surfaces where toddlers play, exposing them to the toxins.
Designated smoking areas provide only minimal protection and still expose employees to dangerous secondhand smoke. These half-measures are not enough to protect worker health. It’s up to each business to create a healthier environment for everyone who shops, eats, plays and works there. Ultimately, we need statewide policy change to protect all Oklahoma workers.
Employee Rights: What You Can Do
As an employee, you have a right to be protected from secondhand smoke at work. You deserve to work in an environment that doesn’t compromise your health. If you’re exposed to secondhand smoke at work and want to create change:
Talk with your co-workers
Ask other employees to support you in requesting healthier smoking policies at your company.
Ask your employer to update the workplace smoking policy
Read the current smoking policy (if there is one) and request changes that will better protect employees.
Talk with employees who smoke
If you notice employees smoking in non-designated areas, kindly ask them to follow company policy.
How Businesses Can Protect Their Employees
Employers have a responsibility to care for the health of their employees. To protect them from the dangers of secondhand smoke:
Create or update your smoking policy
Having an up-to-date smoking policy is a great way to protect your employees. Include where smoking is prohibited and the consequences for violations. Then, send it out to your employees so everyone is clear on the business’s policies.
Post smoke-free messages
Place smoke-free signs in non-smoking areas and near building entrances to make your rules surrounding smoking clear. You can also post on social media channels to make a larger impact. Find FREE materials and posts here.
Educate your employees
While it is well known that smoking comes with health risks, many people don’t know the dangers of secondhand smoke. Educating your employees could inspire them to make a change in their life or educate others about the risks.
The Benefits of Smoke-Free Businesses
Some business owners worry that adopting smoke-free policies could hurt revenue. In reality, smoking is costly. On average, smoking costs Oklahoma businesses $5,816 per smoker per year in health care and maintenance costs. Public opinion strongly favors smoke-free policies as well.
The current state of Oklahoma’s smoking laws is unacceptable. Workers should not have to choose between their job and their health. Becoming a smoke-free business will not only improve employee health but aligns your business with community opinion.
There’s More Work To Be Done
Oklahoma lags behind surrounding states in protecting workers from secondhand smoke. While Oklahoma has made progress in limiting smoking in public places, we must achieve 100% clean indoor air policies to protect all workers across the state. Smoke-free policies benefit everyone: employees are protected from the dangerous health risks of secondhand smoke, and businesses can protect their employees while saving on costs.
You can take steps to protect your community and workplace from the dangers. Start by talking to your employer about updating workplace smoking policies and the benefits of a smoke-free business. Then, get in touch with your legislator and advocate for policy change. Change takes community action, and your voice can make Oklahoma workplaces safer.