CIEH calls again for workplace smoking ban

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has called again for an outright ban on smoking in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants, claiming that passive smoking poses a greater risk than previously thought.  

Failing an outright ban, the CIEH are lobbying for an improved code of practice under health and safety legislation, ensuring at least twelve fresh air changes per hour in smoky environments and encouraging the licensed trade to manage its passive smoking risks more effectively.

Employers are already under a statutory duty to maintain a safe workplace and the Health and Safety Commission has already published guidance in "Passive Smoking at Work".  Even as things stand employers are advised to minimise (or if possible eradicate) the exposure of non-smoking employees to smoky environments.
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