The Smoke-Free Environments Act 1990 and Smoke-Free Regulations 2007 are absolute about worksites (vehicles included) being smoke-free. However, anyone who works in the construction industry knows that the ‘ Stop Smoking ’ revolution hasn’t quite happened.
I understand the argument that we are all adults, and we have the right to chose our behaviours, even if they are addictive. However, the human costs of smoking are well documented and the financial costs to businesses aren’t ideal either.
According to QuitLine:
- Employees who smoke take around 3 times more sick leave than non-smokers.
- A smoker taking four 10-minute breaks each day works a month less than a non-smoker in the course of a year.
- Studies have estimated that smokers can cost employers more than $2,000/ year.
This means that if you have a team of 20 workers who smoke they will be costing your business:
- $766.60 per week
- $3,333.40 per month
- $40,000.00 per year
What can you do?
Research shows that someone trying to go ‘cold turkey’ has a 6% chance of success. The good news is that Southern Stop Smoking Service runs free Stop Smoking Clinics as part of the Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust. I rate the programme because:
- It’s 100% free to the employer and employees
- There are no minimum numbers
- It can be done one to one or as a team
- It has a 68% smoking cessation success rate
What does the Stop Smoking programme look like?
The quit smoking team has found that it is best to either have an information lunch where people can learn about it and opt to sign up or make the introduction part of a full company meeting. From there the programme looks like this:
- Weekly catch up for eight weeks (negotiated between employer and employee as to when and where).
- They provide patches gum and lozenges etc for free, and; help people identify and manage smoking triggers and behaviour patterns.
The YouTube Video Southern Stop Smoking Service – Workplace Group Programme (South Port – Bluff) shows the Stop Smoking team in action.
How can you get involved?
If you are located in the Otago/Southern region contact: Maria Colligan-Haggart via email maria.colligan-haggart@stopsmoking.nz, call (0800) 925 242 or check out the website: www.kaitahu.maori.nz. If your business is based in another region, go to the Local help to stop smoking Page: SmokeFree NZ.
If you know of any other successful stop smoking programmes please email sara@employmenow.co.nz or call 0272 007 680.
Have a safe and productive week,
SB
Additional Reassures
www.quit.org.nz Online and phone support
www.smokefree.org.nz NZ Stop Smoking Service
www.wellplace.nz NZ Health Promotion Agency