cktimes.ca Archives: Smoking in Workplace Vehicles
Originally posted on: Tuesday, August 31, 2010Since May 31, 2006 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) has required workplaces to be smoke-free. Many are unaware that this also applies to vehicles that are driven for work, including vehicles like a backhoe, delivery truck or a taxi.
In the SFOA, the definition of an enclosed workplace applies to a vehicle or conveyance or a part of any of them that is covered by a roof and is used for work purposes. This includes times when the vehicle is not being specifically used for work, such as driving over to the coffee shop for a break.
The fine for smoking in an enclosed workplace is a total of $305.00. Employers are liable for employees’ actions, and allowing a person to smoke in an enclosed workplace, including a vehicle, can cost $365.00. Failing to post “no smoking” signage in prohibited areas can cost $240.00.
Don’t lose your hard-earned money for smoking at work or not putting up some signage. For FREE No Smoking signs that can be posted in your workplace vehicles, or if you have any questions, contact Nik Davidovic, Tobacco Enforcement Officer, Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270 x 2437 or email at nikolad@chatham-kent.ca.
And remember, these are the same signs that by law, need to be posted at every entrance, exit, common area and bathroom of a building. So if your workplace needs some new signs or you need to replace faded or damaged signs, please contact Nik Davidovic at Chatham-Kent Public Health today!
