Many have touted the benefits of workplace smoking bans, but is it just hype?
And is it worth the backlash it’s sure to cause?
Plus, if you ban smoking at work, won’t staffers just increase their nicotine intake at home?
Probably. But evidence from the Centers for Disease Control suggests ban benefits greatly outweigh any risks. It tracked the progress of a Colorado city for three years after its city-wide smoking ban of indoor workplaces and public spots.
Some key findings: 18 months after the smoking ban took place, heart attacks decreased by 27%. (The city also saw another decrease in heart attacks after 36 months.)
From the first screening to recovery from a bypass, average heart disease cost is slightly over $100,000. If you have any “at-risk” staffers, a workplace smoking ban may be at least worth looking into.
For more details on the study, click here.
