Policy Purpose 

To ensure that all employees in the workplace, clients, visitors, and the general public who enter the company premises adhere to the smoking rules and requirements as set out in this policy. Employees will encourage others to follow and adhere to regulations and requirements. 

Scope 

The Tobacco Control Act 83 of 1993 (as amended) imposes a legal duty on the employer to implement a policy in the workplace to give the effect of the policy’s objective and the intention and application of South African legislation. The policy applies to all employees, visitors, clients, and the general public. 

Objectives 

• To provide a healthy and comfortable working environment for all employees. 
• To accommodate the needs of both smokers and non-smokers based on mutual tolerance, respect, and common courtesy in the workplace. 
• To promote health awareness in the workplace. 
• To protect and enhance our indoor air quality and healthy working environment. 
• To eliminate passive smoking within its premises. Moreover, the Department acknowledges the rights of individuals. Therefore the provisions of this policy will not be applied to discriminate against smokers in any way unfairly. 

Policy elements 

The Act regulates smoking in public places, including the workplace. The company will comply with this Act by enforcing this policy. Therefore smoking is prohibited in all public areas, including the workplace. 

All employees may smoke in the designated smoking area before and after working hours as well during lunchtime as indicated below. 

Non-adherence to the below-allocated smoking times will result in immediate disciplinary action: 

• 07h30 – 08h30 before work 
• 17h00 and after that 
• During Lunchtime and/or Teatime