The Smoking Ban and Workplace Compliance: A Guide for Businesses

The Health Act 2006, commonly referred to as the Smoking Ban, made it illegal to smoke inside all indoor public places and workplaces, including work vehicles. This legislation was introduced to ensure that businesses protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of smoking. If businesses provide smoking shelters, they must adhere to specific guidelines within the smoking at work regulations.

A crucial aspect of a business’s strategy is sourcing outdoor street furniture, such as shelters and outdoor waste bins for cigarettes, while fully considering the smoking shelter regulations that UK employers must comply with.

The positive impact of the ban was evident in the year following its implementation: hospital admissions for heart attacks fell by 2.4%, and those for childhood asthma by 12.3%.

This article will outline the regulations, the benefits of providing a place for employees and visitors to smoke, and what to look for when buying smoking shelters for your business.

UK Smoking Regulations: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is it illegal to smoke?

Contrary to the myth that smoking is only illegal inside pubs, clubs, and shops, UK law prohibits smoking tobacco products in any enclosed workplace or public building. Smoking is also banned on public transport, including buses, trains, and taxis.

Are there any exemptions to the smoking ban?

Exemptions are limited and specific to places like hotels, prisons, care homes, and hospices, where designated indoor smoking rooms for residents may be provided. Employees, however, must use outdoor smoking shelters. Private residences are exempt from the ban.

What do employers need to do to comply with the law?

Employers must:

• Display no-smoking signs throughout their workplace and vehicles.
  
  
• Enforce no-smoking policies.
  
  
• Ensure staff do not smoke inside multiple-driver vehicles.
  
  
• Provide cessation support if desired.

Benefits of Providing a Smoking Shelter

Encourages Compliance: Providing a designated smoking area outdoors with a semi-enclosed structure encourages users to smoke there in all weather conditions, demonstrating a commitment to UK laws on smoking in workplaces.

Reduces Second-Hand Smoke: A smoking shelter reduces second-hand smoke for non-smokers by providing a specific place for smokers to go, away from non-smokers.

Enhances Employee Welfare: A smoking shelter increases the comfort of staff who smoke during work breaks, preventing them from bypassing the rules or choosing inappropriate outdoor locations.

Demonstrates Inclusivity: A smoking shelter can be part of an inclusive corporate culture, meeting the needs of all employees.

Reduces Litter: Smoking shelters with suitable bins reduce litter and the risk of fires from unstubbed cigarettes.

Features to Look for in a Smoking Shelter

Compliance: Smoking shelters must not be fully or substantially enclosed. They must be at least 50% open to ensure proper ventilation.

Space and Location: Consider the space available for installing an outdoor smoking structure. It should not be located adjacent to doors or windows, allowing smoke to enter the building.

Size and Capacity: Select a shelter based on the number of employees who might use it. Heyn Environmental offers various sizes and types of smoking shelters.

Durability and Maintenance: Choose well-engineered shelters that withstand British weather and are easy to maintain. Heyn Environmental provides durable options like the Aluminium Economy Smoking Shelter.

Cost and Installation: Consider the cost, including installation. More substantial shelters might involve additional installation costs. Heyn Environmental offers products with assembly instructions and optional installation services.

Appearance: Modern smoking shelters come in customisable colours to blend with your premises or match your corporate colours.

Fire Safety: Ensure the shelter meets fire safety standards and includes features like fire-retardant bins.

Seating: Consider shelters with integral seating to meet outdoor smoking area regulations and enhance comfort.

Choosing the Right Smoking Shelter for Your Business

Heyn Environmental offers a range of smoking shelters that meet various needs and budgets. Our shelters are available in different colours, materials, and structural options. If you need assistance selecting the right smoking shelter for your workplace, contact Heyn Environmental for expert advice.

Contact Information:

Phone: 028 9035 0020

Email: environmental@heyn.co.uk

Contact Form: Available on our website

For more information, visit Heyn Environmental Shelters.