NIOSH Seeks Comments on Workplace Tobacco Policies
NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard said, "This draft document is aimed not just at preventing occupational injury and illness related to tobacco use, but also improving the general health and well-being of workers."
According to a release from the CDC, NIOSH is seeking public comment on a draft Current Intelligence Bulletin (CIB) titled "Promoting Health and Preventing Disease and Injury through Workplace Tobacco Policies." The public comment period is open until Sept. 15.
"While public health efforts to prevent disease and injury caused by tobacco use have had substantial beneficial impact, millions of workers still use tobacco products and smoking is still permitted in many workplaces," said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. "This draft document is aimed not just at preventing occupational injury and illness related to tobacco use, but also improving the general health and well-being of workers."
The current draft CIB adopts a Total Worker Health approach, which integrates occupational safety and health protection with health promotion, including smoking cessation programs, to prevent worker injury and illness.
The CIB also covers the following topics: tobacco use among workers; exposure to secondhand smoke in workplaces; occupational health and safety concerns relating to tobacco use and secondhand exposure; electronic nicotine delivery systems; workplace interventions to reduce tobacco product usage and secondhand exposure.