Archive

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Med. Pr. 2001;52(6)

How to solve the problem of smoking at workplaces

Rozwiązywanie problemu palenia tytoniu w zakładach pracy w Polsce

K. Puchalski, E. Korzeniowska

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of the cessation of tobacco smoking at workplaces in major enterprises of Poland. The data were collected in 2000 by means of a questionnaire sent to 755 enterprises employing at least 100 workers.
The Polish law onthe health protection against harmful effects of tobacco consumption forbids smoking at workplace premises except for those isolated and specially set-up for smoking. Almost 80% of enterprises introduced appropriate bans on smoking, 14% of which are total bans. However, only 40% of companies control whether the regulations are followed by employees and 75% of the firms set up smoking-rooms that could effectively isolate tobacco smoke.
Over 60% of enterprises introduced additional procedures to convince their staff to quit smoking. Educational materials stressing the relationship between ill health and smoking are usually distributed. About 17% of enterprises have introduced disciplinary measures. Financial bonuses, psychological or pharmacological therapy are rather rare (around 1%). The main reasons for antismoking measures are: legal regulations and care of employeeśs health (60% each), and fire protection (50%). Economical aspects have rarely been reported (25%).
Together with non-smokers,the enterprise management have been recognized as the most substantial champions of quitting smoking. About 85% of medical staff attribute this role to themselves, but only 15% of managerial workers perceive them as partners in antismoking campaign.
In conclusion, there is a great need to encourage medical staff, managers and workers to become more active in implementing programs on health promotion at work with special emphasis put on antismoking campaigns.

Key words

smoking at workplace, health promotion at workplace, cessation of tobacco smoking