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New UCF research shows huge demand for smoke-free workplaces
By Derval Keenan, 2/3/2005 4:40:47 PM
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The results of a new major research study untaken by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) to assess the current level of provision of smoke-free workplace policies shows huge public demand which is not being met by policies.
UCF conducted in-depth research focusing on employers? and employees? views of smoke-free workplaces in the top 100 companies in NI, local shopping centres, bars and restaurants and in workplaces that are already smoke-free.
Key findings for the research study showed:
Top 100 Employers
- Of the top 100 companies 47% were completely smoke-free, however, 52% have only a partial policy, and many of these would implement a complete policy if there was clear government policy.
Shopping Centre Managers
- Of the 30 shopping centres involved in this study only seven (23%) were completely smoke-free, while 12 (40%) had a partial smoke-free policy in place. 11 (37%) shopping centres had no form of smoking policy.
Bar & Restaurant Staff
- Of the 171 bar and restaurant staff who completed questionnaires, 44% were smokers while 56% were non-smokers. All worked in a smoky atmosphere yet a massive 76% of bar and restaurant staff said that they want to work in a smoke-free environment. This includes a majority of smokers (63%).
Workplaces that are already smoke-free
- 89% of employees who currently work in a smoke-free environment agreed that all employees should be able to work in a smoke-free environment.
- 78% of employees were pleased that their workplace was smoke-free and 66% agreed that they would dine out more if they knew restaurants would be smoke-free.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation, said,
?The majority of employers and employees actually want their workplace to be smoke-free. This even extends to the majority of smoking employees who are also in favour of such a policy. Those companies, which have already implemented a smoke-free policy, tell the UCF that it has brought many benefits and few problems to their business. Employees and employers in smoke-free workplaces are very positive about the benefits.
?Employees in the hospitality trade continue to endure cancer causing substances in the line of duty. There is a huge demand from bar staff for the right to work in a smoke-free environment. The main reason they give for this is their fear of the serious health risks (lung cancer and heart disease) whilst others report discomfort, irritation to eyes and other aesthetic reasons.
?Some workplaces are hesitant to implement a smoke-free policy for fear of alienating customers and staff, this new research by UCF shows these fears to be unfounded. Workplaces which have already introduced a policy report positive feedback with only minor hiccups.
?Generally smoke-free shopping centres confirmed that their trade had either increased or stayed the same since the introduction of a policy, but has never decreased. Benefits were very encouraging and included a clean and tidy environment to socialise and work in, reduced maintenance costs, better air quality and increased trade in the food hall. Of the 19 shopping centres who had a smoking policy in place, 14 had received positive feedback from the public, while no one had received any negative feedback from any customer.
?The evidence is clear ? passive smoking kills. The recently leaked UK Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health report (SCOTH) shows it causes lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers. It causes a range of childhood illnesses including asthma and great discomfort to anyone who has to endure it, yet this deadly carcinogen is freely available in our workplaces.
?The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has led the campaign for smoke-free environments for twenty years. We have helped local employers devise, implement and review policies and we have had positive feedback from employees, unions, employers, smokers and non-smokers. This work needs a background of healthy public policy to be completely successful.
?The Health and Safety at Work Order (1978) puts the onus on the employer to safeguard the health of employees and visitors to the workplace, however, the introduction of policies has been piecemeal.
?It is clear from UCF?s research that there is massive support for smoke-free workplaces. The public tell us they would welcome legislation. We demand urgent action from our politicians. The Ulster Cancer Foundation have attended party conferences, met health spokespersons, lobbied MLA?s, MPs and MEP?s and noted increasing support. We know this legislation would have the backing of local politicians, trade unions and the general public. We cannot continue to regard smoking as a right and breathing clean air as a privilege.
?UCF has a variety of support services available including a comprehensive training portfolio and resources for professionals.
-ends-
For further information please contact Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 / 07880 504577 or Anne Devlin 07793 075 452, or Derval Keenan, PR Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531, or visit ulstercancer.org
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