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Smoke-Free Workplaces

Goals for the Workplace to Strive for:
• To provide a supportive environment that encourages employees to quit smoking.
• To develop a smoke-free policy to ensure that those who work visit or receive services are protected from second-hand smoke.

Developing Smoke-Free Policies

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act came into force on May 31, 2006. The act prohibits smoking in enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places in Ontario in order to protect workers and the public from the hazards of second-hand smoke.

This is now the law but why stop there? You can take the next step towards a healthier, more productive and more profitable workplace by making your entire property outside as well as inside smoke-free.

Options for Banning Smoking

Option 1: Smoking will not be permitted within nine metres of any
building, building entrances, windows, or ventilation systems.
Option 2: Smoking will be permitted in outdoor smoking shelters only.
Shelters must be at a far distance from entrances and comply with the Smoke-
Free Ontario Act
Option 3: Smoking will be totally banned on all outside property.

You can start slowly by beginning with option one and working toward option three, or go directly to option three.

Supporting Smoking Cessation
1. Provide incentives, support and/or resources to employees who want to quit smoking.
2. Offer a workplace support program

Other Related Links

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act

Your Guide to A Healthy Workplace


Health Unit Website –Help to Quit Smoking


Other Resources:

• Smoke-Free Ontario Act Fact Sheets:

- How the Act Affects: Employers and Employees
- How the Act Affects: Retailers
- How the Act Affects: Bars and Restaurants (including Patios)

• Workplace Smoke-Free Doorway Kit (picture only)



























Other Resources: