Smoke-Free Workplaces

A smoke-free workplace isn’t just the law—it’s a way to make sure your health is protected. Here’s how it helps:

• Protects your health: You’re not breathing in harmful smoke or vapour.

• Keeps things clean: No cigarette butts or smoky smells where you work.

• Lifts everyone’s mood: A healthy workplace is a happier one!

If you notice someone smoking indoors, don’t worry—you have options:

1. Speak up: File an anonymous report through the Take Your Butt Outside page.

2. Know the rules: Check out the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 to learn how it protects you at work.

3. Talk to your boss: If you feel comfortable, bring up your concerns with your manager or HR team.

It’s okay to feel unsure. Reports are kept private, and you can file anonymously if that helps.

Your employer plays a big role in keeping the workplace smoke-free. They should:

• Make sure everyone knows the rules

• Put up reminders in places like lunchrooms or entrances

• Offer support for anyone trying to quit smoking, like sharing the Smokers’ Helpline

• Handle problems respectfully and calmly

Absolutely! Your thoughts can make a difference. Let your employer know if you have ideas to improve the smoke-free policy.

Making your workplace smoke-free isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about creating a healthier, happier space for everyone. It shows you care about your team’s well-being and helps keep your environment clean and inviting. Let’s go through what you need to know and how to take action.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) says all indoor workplaces need to be smoke-free. That means:

• No smoking or vaping inside your office, lunchroom, or washroom. Shared spaces like hallways, lobbies, and stairwells must also be smoke-free

You can also take it a step further by adding outdoor spaces, like patios and parking lots, to your smoke-free policy.

A smoke-free workplace is great for your business and your team. Here’s why:

• Protects health: Reduces second-hand smoke exposure for everyone.

• Welcomes everyone: Creates a space where people with health needs feel included.

• Keeps things clean: Cuts down on smoking litter like cigarette butts.

• Boosts morale: Supports a healthier, happier workplace.

By going beyond what’s required, you show your employees and customers that their health matters to you.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Learn the rules
   Contact us for advice and resources to help you get set up:

• Email us

• Call us at 1-800-922-0096

2. Talk to your employees
   Ask your team what they think. Getting their input makes sure your policy works well for everyone and helps them feel included.

3. Write down your policy
   Be clear about the rules and include these details:

• Who the rules apply to (employees, visitors, and contractors)

• What happens if someone breaks the rules

• Where smoking is and isn’t allowed

• How to access resources to help employees quit smoking

4. Share the rules
   Let everyone know about your new policy. You can talk about it during meetings, send out an email, or put up posters around the workplace.

5. Post reminders
   Put up signs in common areas and entrances so everyone remembers the rules.

Making changes takes time, and not everyone will agree right away. Here are some tips to help:

• Explain the rules clearly: Make sure everyone knows where smoking is and isn’t allowed. Talk about why these changes are important for health and safety

• Support employees who want to quit smoking: Share resources to help, like:

• Telehealth Ontario Quitline: 1-866-797-0000

• Handle violations respectfully: If someone breaks the rules,

• Talk with them privately to avoid embarrassment

• Remind them about the rules and why they exist

• Offer help if they want to quit smoking

All indoor areas like offices, hallways, and lunchrooms must be smoke-free. You can also include outdoor spaces like patios or parking lots in your policy.

Yes, but they need to stay away from areas like entrances, exits, and air vents. If you want, your policy can restrict smoking in other outdoor areas too.

If someone violates the policy:

• Speak to them one-on-one to avoid embarrassment

• Remind them of the policy and explain why it’s important

• Offer resources to help them quit if they want support

Yes, the policy applies to everyone who comes into your workplace, including visitors and contractors. Make sure they’re aware by posting signs.

If you or your employees break the rules, you could face fines. Staying proactive with your policy helps keep your workplace safe and avoids penalties.