MORE than a third of businesses in England have introduced policies to control smoking in the workplace because of fears of legal action due to passive smoking.

That is the result of research conducted by Poole-based business, The No Butts Bin Company, the world leader in smoking and litter control products which has its products at locations such as Heathrow airport and the Empire State Building.

They found that many firms do not want to be liable for not taking the necessary action to protect employees from the health risks of passive smoking and want to protect employees' health in the workplace.

Businesses which do not have a smoking policy in operation could risk costly court cases as several civil claims for compensation arising from passive smoking at work have been successfully pursued.

Managing director of the No Butts Bin Company, Martyn Bright, says; "The government is currently analysing responses received from health organisations, pressure groups, businesses and members of the public on the proposed smoking ban to be enforced in workplaces and enclosed public places.

Around 25 per cent of the UK work force smoke and this significant group cannot be ignored. Now is a good time to start thinking about workplace smoking policies because if employers fail to take action they are potentially liable to employee claims."

He adds; "Equally risky for an employer, is introducing a complete ban on smoking on the premises, both internally and externally, as this action could infringe on employment rights and 22 per cent of respondents to our survey stated that they did not want to implement a complete ban due to this very reason. We have been advising firms of all sizes and sectors to provide solutions in time for the proposed smoking ban legislation."

First published: October 18