Creating a healthy workplace is essential for ensuring the well-being and productivity of employees. As organisations aim to create safe and supportive environments, focusing on lung health becomes crucial. One of the most effective strategies to protect employees’ lung health is establishing a smoke-free workplace.
According to Aletta Collins, Senior Quality Manager at Life Health Solutions, tobacco cessation programmes are essential to shield non-smoking employees from secondhand smoke and to encourage smokers to quit.
Aletta also highlights that South Africa’s Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993, amended in 2000, mandates smoke-free indoor public spaces, including workplaces, to safeguard public health. She adds that worker health and well-being are vital for establishing a healthy and safe workforce. Addressing the risks of smoking and tobacco use in the workplace and providing cessation programmes can improve the overall health of individuals.
The US-based Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program outlines the significant benefits of implementing a smoke-free workplace. Adopting smoke-free policies can improve employee health, and reduce healthcare costs. Additionally, they help employers comply with local tobacco laws, avoiding potential legal issues and contributing to the company’s overall corporate wellness culture.
Employers can support a smoke-free policy by clearly communicating smoking regulations during employee induction, offering smoking cessation programmes, and providing alternatives such as wellness initiatives and stress-management workshops.
Monitoring and improving air quality
Indoor air quality significantly impacts respiratory health. Poor air quality, caused by pollutants like tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and combustion products can exacerbate respiratory conditions and contribute to chronic diseases.
As highlighted by the Harvard Business Review, modern air-quality monitors assess parameters like particulate matter, carbon dioxide and humidity, providing real-time data to maintain safe indoor environments. Employers should prioritise installing these devices and addressing identified issues promptly.
Promoting employee education and wellness programmes
Education plays a pivotal role in promoting respiratory health. By educating employees about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting, companies can create a culture of health and well-being.
Offering wellness programmes that include smoking-cessation support, physical activities and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly contribute to lung health.
Aletta emphasises the importance of providing personalised tools and support systems, such as counselling and buddy systems, to help employees quit smoking.
Employers can also organise competitions and incentives to motivate employees to remain smoke-free. Additionally, regular workplace screenings can help in the early detection and management of lung-related illnesses, ensuring timely intervention and treatment.
Addressing occupational-related lung diseases
Employers must be proactive in protecting workers from occupational-related lung diseases. This involves identifying respiratory hazards, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensuring proper usage and maintenance.
SAMS, a leading UK provider of health and safety training, notes that implementing comprehensive respiratory protection programmes can mitigate the risks associated with dust, chemical fumes, biological agents and other hazardous materials.
Regular training and education on respiratory protection are vital to maintaining a safe work environment. Aletta advises that employers should refer employees with respiratory symptoms for medical assessment and document all training activities.
Using world lung cancer day to promote a smoke-free workplace
World Lung Cancer Day, observed on 1 August, serves as a reminder of the importance of lung health. This day promotes awareness about lung cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.
Employers can use this occasion to reinforce their commitment to creating a smoke-free, healthy workplace and encourage participation in lung-health initiatives.
For more information or support related to the physical health of employees, let us help you. Email hello@lifehealthcare.co.za, call (+27) 86 123 4123 to speak to one of our business development managers, or visit our website. If you’d prefer, you can also seek further advice from qualified medical practitioners at Life Healthcare
