Smoke-free policies are recommended based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in reducing tobacco use among workers. Smoke-free policies were found to be effective when: implemented by communities in the form of ordinances and regulations that prohibit smoking in indoor and enclosed work settings and public areas; adopted by companies and organizations with multiple worksites; and implemented by individual worksites. The findings of this review complement the recommendations for smoking bans and restrictions based on strong evidence of effectiveness of these policies in reducing exposures to secondhand tobacco smoke. Smoke-free policies include private-sector rules and public-sector regulations that prohibit smoking in indoor workplaces and designated public areas. Private-sector smoke-free policies may establish a complete ban on tobacco use on worksite property or restrict smoking to designated outdoor locations. Community smoke-free ordinances establish smoke-free standards for all or for designated indoor workplaces and public areas.
Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Recommendations for Worksite-Based Interventions to Improve Workers’ Health. Am J Prev Med [Internet]. 2010 Feb [cited 2013 Feb 22];38(2S):S232–236. Available from: http://www.thecommunityguide.org/worksite/Worksite2010Recommendations_TaskForce.pdf