Since May 31st, 2006 the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) requires workplaces to be smoke-free. Many are unaware that this also applies to vehicles that are driven for work (such as a backhoe, delivery truck or a taxi).

In the SFOA, the definition of an enclosed workplace applies to a vehicle or conveyance or a part of any of them that is covered by a roof and is used for work purposes. This includes times when the vehicle is not being specifically used for working, such as driving over to the coffee shop for break.

A fine for smoking in an enclosed 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, including a vehicle, can cost you $365.00. Failing to post no smoking signage in prohibited areas can cost you $240.00.

Don’t lose your hard-earned money for smoking at work or not putting up some signage. For FREE No Smoking signs that can be posted in your workplace vehicles, contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at (519) 352-7270 or e-mail ckhealth@chatham-kent.ca.

Remember, these are the same signs that by law need to be posted at every entrance, exit, common area and bathroom of a building. So if your workplace needs some new signs, or you need to replace faded or damaged signs, please contact us today!