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9 October 2007
West Yorkshire’s fire chiefs have agreed to a completely smoke-free workplace by July 2008.
Employees promoted or employed after 1997 are already banned from smoking at work but those promoted or employed before that date can use outside smoking areas.
The new policy will make all fire service premises and grounds smoke free.
“Every time someone breathes in secondhand smoke they take in over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are highly toxic and can cause cancer,” explained Dr. Graham Kirkland, who chairs the fire authority’s Personnel and Training Committee.
Councillor Kirkland said he recognised that smoking was an addiction and full support would be given to individuals wishing to quit through the occupational health unit. “However, the fact remains that non-smokers have a right to come to work in a safe, smoke-free, environment.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Allan Hughes said that the contracts signed after 1997 effectively meant that smoking would be phased out anyway in time but he did not want to see two classes of employee.
“I recognise the difficulties this may create for a few individuals, which is why we are looking towards implementation next July, but I believe we have to take decisive action. Remember also that we are a fire and rescue service and more people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires resulting from any other cause.”
ENDS
For further details contact Stephen Hardy, Media and PR Unit, 01274 655717