Decreasing Tobacco Use Among Workers: Smoke-Free Policies to Reduce Tobacco Use

Task Force Finding & Rationale Statement

Tobacco use is one of the largest causes of preventable premature death in the United States. Reducing tobacco use in adults and reducing non-smokers' exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are essential preventive measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use. Interventions designed to assist with this effort are important options for health promotion in worksites. In addition to preventing tobacco use initiation and reducing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use, a comprehensive prevention effort should help tobacco users to quit. Approximately 70% of tobacco users want to quit; efforts to quit are frequent, even if frequently unsuccessful. Among other qualities, tobacco use reduction efforts in community settings including worksites should be designed to motivate and assist cessation efforts.

Smoke-free Policies to Reduce Tobacco Use: Recommended
Comprising private-sector rules and public-sector regulations, smoke-free policies prohibit smoking in indoor workspaces and designated public areas. Private-sector smoke-free policies may establish a complete ban on tobacco use on worksite property or restrict smoking to designated outdoor locations; public smoke-free ordinances establish smoke-free standards for all or for designated indoor workplaces and public areas.

To support tobacco-using employees who might seek assistance in quitting, a worksite may adopt a smoke-free policy alone or in combination with additional interventions. These additional interventions may include the following components:

• Tobacco cessation groups
• Client educational materials or activities
• Telephone-based cessation support
• Counseling and assistance from healthcare providers
• Access to effective pharmacologic therapies

In a 2001 review, based on strong evidence of effectiveness, the Task Force recommended smoking bans and restrictions for reducing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke [PDF - 1.46KB]. The current review measures the effectiveness of smoke-free policies for reducing tobacco use. Unlike in the 2001 review, smoking restrictions (i.e., policies that permit smoking in a designated indoor area) were excluded. In efforts that prohibit smoking altogether, the potential effects on tobacco consumption and cessation are conceptually stronger.

The Task Force recommends smoke-free policies based on sufficient evidence that they reduce tobacco use when implemented in worksites and communities.

Review completed: June 2005