Companies are encouraged to maintain tobacco-free policies and discipline employees who break smoking bans according to guidelines provided by the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
Promoting Tobacco-Free Workplaces in the UAE
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in the UAE has issued guidelines urging companies to enforce tobacco-free policies and take disciplinary actions against employees who violate smoking prohibitions. As per the directive, individuals caught smoking must first be informed about the company's tobacco-free workplace policy and formally notified in writing. Moreover, comprehensive records detailing the individual's identity, location, time of the incident, and subsequent actions must be maintained.
In line with these directives, the MoHAP has released a comprehensive guide for companies aiming to create tobacco-free workplaces. A 'tobacco-free facility' is defined as one where tobacco use, in any form, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition extends to all areas of the facility, including outdoor spaces and parking lots. The regulations align with existing UAE laws that prohibit smoking in enclosed public spaces and all forms of tobacco use in public areas such as government institutions, health facilities, educational establishments, public transport, and other communal spaces.
Defining a Tobacco-Free Facility
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized the importance of the guide in promoting a tobacco-free working environment, aligning with the UAE's commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). This commitment aims to implement effective measures to shield individuals from tobacco smoke exposure in various settings.
The ministry recommends integrating the implementation of tobacco-free policies into the professional performance evaluation process. This involves developing clear and concise procedures, assigning responsible personnel for oversight, educating employees about tobacco-free environments, providing resources for smoking cessation, and ensuring effective communication of policies to all staff. Non-compliance measures should also be clearly outlined.
Key elements of the policy implementation include prominently displaying no-smoking signage at facility entrances, strictly enforcing smoking bans across all areas without exceptions, removing cigarette receptacles, and ensuring that all individuals within the facility, including employees, visitors, and contractors, adhere to the policy.
The guidelines highlight the dangers of passive smoking, emphasizing the presence of over 4,000 toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke and the increased risk of various health conditions associated with exposure. Despite common misconceptions, ventilation systems do not eliminate the health risks posed by tobacco smoke, as they only address the odor and visible aspects, not the carcinogenic substances.
Overall, the UAE's initiative underscores the importance of creating smoke-free environments to safeguard public health and aligns with global efforts to combat tobacco use and its associated health risks.
