IP Australia's No Smoking Policy
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires us to protect employees and contractors from workplace hazards, including potentially harmful air contaminants. There is clear evidence that active and passive smoking is not healthy and causes a range of serious illnesses and in some cases, death.
The IP Australia Enterprise Agreement 2011-2014 provides for a smoke free workplace and articulates the ongoing commitment to provide support to all employees (ongoing and non-ongoing) who wish to quit smoking.
Our "No Smoking Policy" ensures that, as an employer, we continue to address its duty of care responsibilities in respect of employees and contractors regarding active and passive smoking.
Objectives
The objective of the policy is to meet our duty of care responsibilities as an employer by:
- protecting all employees and visitors from exposure to tobacco smoke
- maintaining a totally smoke free working environment
- supporting employees to improve their health and wellbeing
Policy
We will provide a smoke free work environment for all its employees.
Smoking by all employees is banned whilst on duty. No employee will be permitted to smoke within fifteen (15) metres of any part of IP Australia premises at any time, including during official meal breaks.
For the purposes of this policy our premises include any location at which employees are engaged on duty, including at their place of residence or while on duty interstate or overseas, except that any meal breaks taken at a place of residence are not treated as our premises under this policy for the duration of the meal break.
The ban on smoking in and around our premises extends to employees and contractors performing duties after normal hours, and members of the public visiting our premises. This policy also applies to premises where a building is shared with a number of other Departments or organisations. Smoking is banned at all times in our vehicles.
Support programs
We value our employees and recognise they can best fulfil their statutory duties when healthy. We supports its employees who wish to quit smoking and will offer the following assistance:
- Courses or seminars
- Nicotine Replacement Therapies (Patches, Gum, Inhalers, Lozenges)
- Hypnotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Any other reasonable request.
In addition, the following leave and financial assistance is offered to employees:
- paid leave may be granted (of up to 8 hours) to attend a course or seminar; and
- a one-off reimbursement of costs associated with quit smoking initiatives (maximum of $400).
Contact points
Further information on quit smoking programs can be obtained from our Human Resources or the organisations listed below.
Where to go for help
We provide support to employees to assist them to quit smoking through our Employee Assistance Program. In addition, the following organisations provide support to people wishing to quit:
The Cancer Council ACT: 6257 9999 or visit their website.
Visit the Quit Victoria website. Quitline: 131 848.
Last Updated: 13/12/2012
