Tobacco
Eliminating tobacco in the workplace is the single most impactful step an employer can take to improve employee health and productivity.
The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act was passed by a majority of voters in November 2006 and went into law the following month. Smoking is now prohibited inside almost every workplace, even businesses with only one employee.
The only workplaces where smoking is still allowed by law are the following:
- The gaming floor of casinos (i.e., designated areas in casinos with gaming tables and/or slot machines, where minors are not allowed);
- Bars, taverns, and saloons that do not serve food;
- Strip clubs and brothels;
- Tobacco stores;
- Hotel and motel rooms;
- Some convention centers for some meetings; and,
- Homes unless used as a daycare or healthcare business.
All business owners can ban smoking even if the law allows for an exemption. Apartment complexes and other residence owners may also ban smoking in their facilities.
By eliminating smoking at work, the health of the non-smoking employees and customers is protected, but smoker’s health is also improved. Many smokers either quit or cut back the number of cigarettes they smoke after a smoking ban has been put into place.
Next Steps:
The law does not protect all workers in all locations, so many businesses are taking it a step further and banning all tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) on their entire property (even outside spaces) and in their vehicles and other equipment. Here are samples of tobacco policies for almost every business.
A GOOD tobacco policy will cover:
- No smoking or use of tobacco in any building or vehicle used for company business;
- No smoking or use of tobacco within 50 feet of doorways, open windows or air intake vents; and,
- Provide and regularly update information on cessation resources for employees.
- Sample Policy
A BETTER tobacco policy will cover:
- All items listed in the Good tobacco policy;
- No smoking or use of tobacco while conducting a business related activity regardless of location (no tobacco use while out in the field);
- No smoking or use of tobacco on any company owned, leased, or operated property; and,
- Employee health benefits that cover free nicotine replacement therapy, other proven pharmacologic therapies, and cessation opportunities.
- Sample Policy
The BEST tobacco policy will cover:
- All items listed in the Better tobacco policy; and,
- No use of cigarette or “tobacco like” products such as e-cigarettes in all banned areas and activities.
- Sample Policy
For more information on how to implement a tobacco free workplace, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthier Worksite Initiative (HWI).
