Current policies regarding smoking in the workplace

Abstract

This paper briefly reviews the evolution of worksite smoking policies and programs, beginning with the goals and objectives from which they have sprung. Workplace smoking deterrents are shown to involve three different types of strategies: 1) legalistic approaches use policies and rules to restrict or foreclose smoking on the job; 2) economic strategies create incentives and disincentives, often through the employee health benefit plan; and 3) educational programs seek to motivate smokers to quit and to supply them with information and skill that may facilitate that process. The three types of intervention are combined in a broad public health approach that some companies are now developing. Research is needed on the efficacy of a range of possible approaches and attention should be paid to the ethical and policy issues of tensions and contradictions between health goals and cost containment.