The Smoking and Vaping Policy establishes a clear framework for regulating smoking and vaping in the workplace to promote employee health, safety, and wellbeing while ensuring compliance with South African tobacco control legislation. It outlines the Company's rules regarding designated smoking areas, smoking during working hours, employee responsibilities, health and safety requirements, and smoking cessation support. The policy also provides guidance on protecting non-smokers from second-hand smoke, maintaining a smoke-free work environment, disciplinary consequences for non-compliance, and the legal obligations applicable to employers and employees under the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act.

What's Included

1. Introduction

• Purpose of the policy
• Promoting a healthy workplace
• Employee wellbeing
• Compliance with tobacco legislation

2. Purpose and Scope

• Employees covered
• Visitors, contractors and consultants
• Application on Company premises
• Off-site business activities
• Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act compliance

3. Definitions

• Smoking
• Vaping
• Tobacco products
• Electronic cigarettes
• Smokeless tobacco
• Scope of prohibited products

4. Designated Smoking and Vaping Areas

• Indoor smoking prohibition
• Approved smoking areas
• Legal requirements for designated areas
• Distance from entrances
• Ventilation standards
• Smoking area signage requirements

5. Smoking and Vaping During Working Hours

• Smoking during tea and lunch breaks
• No additional smoke breaks
• Working time expectations
• Extended break provisions
• Productivity requirements
• Disciplinary consequences

6. Health and Safety

• Protection of non-smokers
• Second-hand smoke and vapour
• Fire safety requirements
• Employee responsibilities
• Smoke-free workplace rights
• Grievance procedures

7. Smoking Cessation Support

• Smoking cessation programmes
• Employee support resources
• National support organisations
• Health and wellness initiatives

8. Compliance and Consequences

• Zero-tolerance approach
• Disciplinary action
• Employer and employee legal obligations
• Legislative fines
• Prohibition on the sale of tobacco products
• Enforcement procedures

9. Conclusion

• Employee responsibilities
• Respectful workplace behaviour
• Healthy work environment
• Ongoing compliance expectations