Employer wont clamp down on smoking law. Next step?

Bev._2

I'm no anti smoking warrior here, so i don't want any smokers to get on their knee-jerk high horse about this without reading on...


When the nationwide ban came in place, it never got policed at my work place. I work outside & shortly after this it became company policy to ban smoking by staff outside too, other than on official breaks & in the designated smoking area.

Now, i don't really have any major issue with co-workers smoking outside for the most part. I can't stand smoking, but if they want to do it, then that's their decision.

HOWEVER

What i do have a problem (considering it's against company policy) is with these people stood next to me, puffing away, knowing full well i'm a non smoker & don't like it.
Blowing it in my face
Doing it in enclosed spaces (i.e. the canteen & toilets).

This i DO have a problem with. I'm sure even smokers could appreciate this.

I have seen the powers-that-be numerous times over the past few years. We must be into double figures for visits now.

The first was "i'll get so-and-so to monitor it". Yet this so & so isn't interested in the slightest, can't be bothered to report & has other things to do which are more important to the business ... so it gets overlooked.

Then the biggest culprit was spoken to. I wont do it again officer says he.

X-week later ... back to it.

Report again .... wont do it again officer .... x-weeks later, you guessed it.

Back & forth, back & forth, with no REAL action being taken.




& the one that REALLY makes a mockery of the whole situation --- the managing director supposedly issued this statement that smoking is to be banned in the workplace .......... and this biggest culprit (as well as others) smoke right in front of him whilst outside & he does sweet F.A. about it.


What is the next step?

I'm not trying to wipe it out totally, but when they're blowing it in your face & doing it where you're supposed to be eating, it's a bit of a piddle take.

browneyedbazzi

Call environmental health at the council - tell them (you don't have to give them your details if you are worried about reprisals for reporting). A smoke free inspector will come out and talk to the powers that be and perhaps focus their minds a bit.

ILW

A "smoke free inspector" !!!!!!. Nice to see our taxes are being used wisely.

scheming_gypsy

you've run out of steps to be honest. you've complained and asked and complained; so if you report it to the council they'll know exactly who ratted on them.
Council turn up, dish out fines and you get your cards marked

hippygran

Contact local council (probably Environmental Health)?

Think they are the relevant department to do Health and Safety audit, and if not am sure they can point you in the right direction.

By the way, before anyone jumps on my back I AM A SMOKER, but don't think anyone should behave so disrespectfully towards colleagues, smokers or not, and the company have a legal responsibility to uphold the law [I]whether they agree with it, or not[/I]

whitewing

I used to work part time in a contact centre. It was horrible even sitting next to a heavy smoker when they weren't smoking. They do stink of cigarettes.

I sympathise but can't suggest anything other than blasting them with a fire extingusher. (Joke).

I am amazed work isn't taking it more seriously though as it is a serious risk to your health as a passive smoker. Have you put your complaint in writing?

DVardysShadow

whitewing wrote: »

I sympathise but can't suggest anything other than blasting them with a fire extingusher. (Joke).

Pre emptively spray the room with easy start [joke]

paddedjohn

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

you've run out of steps to be honest. you've complained and asked and complained; so if you report it to the council they'll know exactly who ratted on them.
Council turn up, dish out fines and you get your cards marked

A fine for what? last time i looked it was still legal to smoke outside as long as you are away from the door and open windows, i do have to agree though that they will know exactly who to turn to if you do complain to the council but if you have any proof that the law is being broken then report them.
Non smoker by the way.

Sambucus_Nigra

paddedjohn wrote: »

A fine for what? last time i looked it was still legal to smoke outside as long as you are away from the door and open windows, i do have to agree though that they will know exactly who to turn to if you do complain to the council but if you have any proof that the law is being broken then report them.
Non smoker by the way.

Did you miss the bit about them smoking in the canteen and the toilets?

OP - I'm wondering if you even have a H&S rep/committee or HR dept as both are there to keep the company out of court. If it were me, I'd very visibly keep a diary of who was smoking and when, and which directors etc were in the same room; ready for your lawsuit in the future when you have symptoms of lung disease.

paddedjohn

Sorry i did miss that bit.

Jarndyce

ILW wrote: »

A "smoke free inspector" !!!!!!. Nice to see our taxes are being used wisely.

Yes that would be hilarious, if there was any such thing. Do you read the Daily Mail by any chance?

Enforcement of the anti-smoking legislation is part of the remit of the food safety inspectors (yes, environmental health officers - the one's who give food establishments the five star ratings) when they are doing their regular inspections.

A complain - especially from a member of staff - should trigger a visit.