• Policies & Benefits Manual
• Introduction
• Policies & Procedures
  • Access to Personnel Files
  • AIDS Policy
  • Anti-Harassment
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
  • Attendance/Tardiness
  • Break In Service
  • Business Code of Ethics
  • Change of Personnel Data
  • Confidentiality Policy
  • CORI Policy
  • Court Service & Jury Duty
  • Direct Deposit
  • Drug/Alcohol Free Workplace
  • Emergency Crisis
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Employment at Will
  • Employment of Relatives (Nepotism)
  • Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
  • Grievance Procedure
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Hours of Work
  • Identification Card
  • Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
  • Inclement Weather
  • Introductory Period
  • New Employee Orientation
  • Overtime Pay
  • Parking
  • Pay Checks
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Promotions, Reclassification of Position & Transfers
  • Reduction in Force
  • Smoking Policy
  • Termination of Employment
  • Time Recording
  • Types of Positions
  • Work Behavior/Discipline
  • Workplace Violence Policy
• Benefits
• Salary Administration
• Exhibits

Smoking Policy

 Effective June 6, 1994, WPI became a smoke-free workplace in accordance with the General laws of Massachusetts (Chapter 270: Section 22. Smoking in public places). The following language expands and updates the original Smoking Policy. It articulates not only applicable laws, but also WPI community health and safety standards.

 

 PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Smoking Policy is to limit exposure of the WPI community to the effects of second hand smoke, reduce the risk of fire in and near campus property, and be in compliance with applicable laws.

Tobacco smoke, whether inhaled directly by a smoker or indirectly by another, is a danger to one’s health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) underscores the health risk of second hand, or passive, smoke by linking this type of smoke to lung cancer deaths and by classifying second hand smoke as a Class A (known) human carcinogen. Smoking, and the presence of accumulated second hand smoke, can also be a cause of annoyance, distraction, physical discomfort and stress.

WPI strives to create a community and atmosphere that is as free from recognized hazards as possible. Issues affecting the health, safety and well being of our faculty, staff, students and visitors are important to mitigate where possible. Because WPI recognizes the hazards associated with second hand smoke, we will endeavor to assist with the elimination of the hazard for non-smokers. It is not in the best interests of the WPI community to encourage the use of tobacco products in any form. The smoking prohibition components of this policy are a continuation of efforts to support a healthy and safe working environment for the entire WPI community.

 

SCOPE:

The policy shall apply as indicated below to academic and administrative buildings, residential buildings, certain exterior areas, athletic and recreational buildings and playing areas, and WPI owned, leased or rented vehicles.

 

APPLICABILITY:

The policy shall apply to all members of the WPI community for reasons of health, safety and well-being. Visitors shall be made aware of the Smoking Policy by community members (faculty, staff and students) when the situation presents itself.

 

POLICY:

Applicable state law:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/270-22.htm

Relevant wording: (b) (2)

This passage addresses the prohibition of indoor smoking in workplaces and educational facilities. Also, it addresses the prohibition of smoking in both indoor and outdoor auditoriums, arenas and athletic facilities.

Relevant wording: (e)

This passage addresses the prohibition of certain outdoor smoking. Specifically, if smoke is migrating into a prohibited indoor area via an open door, ventilation system or windows, then the area the smoking is occurring in is considered an extension of the prohibited space.

Relevant wording: (b) (3)

WPI subscribes to the relevant state policy (refers to state vehicles) articulated in this passage.

Specifically, smoking is prohibited in all WPI owned, leased or rented vehicles.

 

RESPONSIBILITY and RESOLUTION:

Adherence to and management of this policy, as well as compliance with cited state laws, requires common sense, courtesy and support among members of the WPI community.

Employees with concerns or questions regarding the prohibition of smoking, and the policy in general, should contact the Office of Human Resources. Also, employees are encouraged to report violations of this policy to their supervisor.

 

SMOKING CESSATION:

WPI, through the Office of Human Resources, has identified smoking cessation programs through our health insurance provider. Members of the WPI community can refer to the following link for access to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts: “a Healthy Me” Self-Care Centers.

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/smokingcenter

 

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: May 21, 2010 14:48:24