5.
Smoke-free workplace policy to take effect next month
The Government announced today (Monday) that a new smoke-free workplace policy will be implemented in all Government premises with effect from April 1.
Under the new policy, smoking will be prohibited in both office and non-office environments. These include all enclosed or open-plan working areas, corridors, foyers, conference rooms, reception and counter areas, waiting rooms and public
areas.
The restriction will apply to both staff and visitors.
Where appropriate, designated smoking areas will be set aside to cater for staff who smoke, the location and size of which is determined after consultation between management and staff -- both smoking and non-smoking.
Allowing designated smoking areas does not contradict this new policy, a spokesman for the Health and Welfare Branch explained.
"As a responsible employer, Government needs to balance between the interests of both smoking and non-smoking employees, while taking into account Government's overall anti-smoking policy objective.
"Through a general circular issued to all department heads in mid-January this year, we have already spelt out that the long-term objective is to eventually phase out designated smoking areas. We shall therefore review the situation regularly."
Two signs. "Smoke-free Workplace" and "Designated Smoking Area", have been produced and will be displayed conspicuously in all Government offices and workplaces.
The new policy has been introduced following a call from the World Health Organization and the Government signed a smoke-free workplace Charter drawn up by the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health last year.
"As Hong Kong's largest employer, we should take the lead to provide a healthy and safe working environment for employees. We hope other employers will follow suit," the spokesman added.
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