E-Cigarettes Spark Workplace Debate
by Susan Martin
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular. Proponents see them as healthier alternatives to tobacco that help some smokers kick their cigarette habit. Opponents argue there is little scientific data about the effects of secondhand e-cig vapor and risks to public health. How are local nonsmoking workplaces handling the “vaping” versus smoking debate?
Common Employer Practices
According to a 2013 survey of 179 metro St. Louis and central Illinois businesses conducted by AAIM Employers’ Association, only 7% of the survey respondents allow the use of e-cigarettes in their otherwise smoke-free facilities. Although 43% do not allow “vaping” at work, another 45% indicate the issue hasn’t yet come up in their smoke-free workplaces.
Issues to Consider
Employers may prohibit e-cigarettes in their workplaces just as they may prohibit tobacco cigarettes and other smoking devices. The ban can be incorporated into existing smoking policies by expanding the definition of smoking in the employee handbook to include the use of tobacco products through pipes, cigars and cigarettes as well as electronic cigarettes. [Note: Employers often also include chewing tobacco in the list of prohibited products.]
Because the harmful effects of e-cigarettes are still under debate, including e-cigarettes in a smoke-free policy may help employers avoid employee complaints about exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition, it may reduce the opportunities for employees to see co-workers “vaping” within smoke-free facilities and wrongly encouraging others to smoke or use tobacco products as well.
Susan Martin (susan.martin@aaimea.org) is member answer center coordinator for AAIM Employers’ Association, which helps Missouri and Illinois companies manage their people and processes.