E-Cigarettes in the Workplace

E-Cigarettes in the Workplace

As we all know smoking in public places and places of work has been banned in the UK for over 10 years now.  On the other hand, what are the rules regarding E-cigarettes in the Workplace and vaping? The rules are vague with no definite guidelines.

However, in the US e-cigarettes are regulated on a state by state basis. Some states have completely banned e-cigarettes from public places and places of work.  Which begs the question how companies who have many locations will be able to regulate these rules throughout their company?

The UK have no bans on vaping in public places or work places and it is down to the individual company to allow employees to vape or not.   Due to the absence of any set rules and regulations from a governing body, it makes it fairly problematic for the employer.

Here's some guidance from Public Health England on the use of E-cigarettes in the Workplace and public places, however they have specified that this is a guide and may not work for everyone.

1. Make a clear distinction between vaping and smoking
2. Ensure policies are based on evidence of harm to bystanders
3. Identify and manage risks of uptake by children and young people
4. Support smokers to stop smoking and stay smoke free.
5. Support compliance with smoke free law and policies

Whilst being very supportive towards vaping, it still doesn’t help employers set clear rules for their employees.

However, not one size fits all so perhaps it is better for the employer to make that decision themselves and base it on number of employees they have, environment, amount of employees that vape and maybe ask the employees what they want to do.

Click here for the full article from Public Health England and for the full documentation click here