Smoke Free

Implement a Smoke Free Workplace

Tobacco smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable death in Australia. Every year, around 1140 South Australians die from tobacco-related causes. There is no safe level of smoking and passively inhaling tobacco smoke can cause additional damage.

Furthermore, workplace exposure to passive smoke is a significant occupational health and safety hazard, producing symptoms of ill health, particularly for people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Smoking is banned in all enclosed workplaces Tobacco Products Regulation Act 1997, section 46).  A smoke-free workplace guide (PDF 3MB) has been developed to assist workplaces to meet legal requirements and to support workplaces to develop a smoke-free policy that includes outdoor areas.

Workplaces that promote and support employees to quit smoking can benefit from a healthier and happier workforce and a safer, cleaner workplace for everyone.

Workplaces that promote and support employees to quit smoking can benefit from a healthier and happier workforce and a safer, cleaner workplace for everyone.

Ideas to get you Started

Healthy vision

  • Promote a smoke-free workplace by developing and implementing a 100% smoke-free policy directed at the workplace environment and culture, including conduction of information sessions to inform employees of policy.
  • Embed no-smoking support procedures into OHW&S procedures and policies.
  • Include smoke-free policy and information in staff induction materials.
  • Update your knowledge in regard to existing South Australian tobacco legislation.

Healthy places

  • Promote and provide a smoke-free workplace.
  • Foster the quit smoking message with promotional materials, embed these messages into communication and media forms, for example memos, newsletters’ and notice boards.
  • Update your knowledge in regard to existing South Australian tobacco legislation.

Healthy people

  • Promote and provide a smoke-free workplace.
  • Foster the quit smoking message with promotional materials, embed these messages into communication and media forms, for example memos, newsletters’ and notice boards.
  • Promote the use of support services for those wanting to quit or reduce smoking levels, and allow access to these services during work hours.
  • Promote information about the harm caused by tobacco smoking and the benefits of quitting.
  • Remind staff that a General Practitioner can assist, support and provide referrals to other health professionals.
  • Workplace Employee Assistance Programs can often focus on goal setting and behavioural change - promote your workplace program widely and inform employees of access options and topics.
  • Provide staff with information regarding Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches and make them aware of those that are subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS).


Building on Your Program

Healthy vision

  • Embed no-smoking support procedure into OHS&W representative procedures and policies.

Healthy places

  • Embed quit smoking messages into communication and media forms, for example newsletters, memos and CEO updates.

Healthy people

  • Sponsor comprehensive quit programs such as subsidise aids to quit smoking such a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or provide incentives for those who quit smoking (as appropriate)
  • Provide quit smoking programs during work time.
  • Support participation in quit smoking programs during work time.

Support and Resources

Download strategies to implement a Smoke Free Workplace Guide: what to do and where to find support (PDF 286KB).

There are a number of places you can go to for more information and support on this topic, as well as assistance to help employees quit smoking. These include: