Since May 31st, 2006 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) has required workplaces to be smoke-free. You may be surprised to learn that work vehicles are workplaces as well.
This means that it is illegal to smoke in a workplace vehicle just like it is in an office, bar, restaurant or school. This includes times when the vehicle is not being specifically used for working, like driving it to a restaurant to get lunch or for a coffee-break.
The fine for smoking in a workplace is a total payable amount of $305.00. Employers must be aware that they are liable for employees’ actions and allowing a person to smoke in an enclosed workplace or a workplace vehicle can cost you $365.00. The fine for failing to post no smoking signage in prohibited areas is $240.00.
For FREE ‘No Smoking’ signs that can be posted in your workplace vehicles, or if you have any questions, contact Nik Davidovic, Tobacco Enforcement Officer, at the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at (519) 352-7270 ext. 2437 or e-mail at nikolad@chatham-kent.ca.
And remember, these are the same signs that by law need to be posted at every entrance, exit, and bathroom of a building. So if your workplace needs some new signs, or you need to replace faded or damaged signs, please contact me today!