 That
National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the Nation's medical research
agency. Leading the way toward important medical discoveries that
improve people's health and save lives, NIH is at the forefront
of research to prevent tobacco-related diseases. As such, it is
critical that we follow our own best advice and work toward a tobacco-free
NIH.
In 2004, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced
that all DHHS components would become tobacco-free. As
part of this effort, NIH is committed to achieving a tobacco-free
workplace for all employees and visitors.
NIH is working toward making all campuses and buildings free of
tobacco. Since NIH has a variety of campuses and contracts, a trans-NIH
working group is developing a plan that will consider all of our
unique challenges to ensure a smooth transition to full compliance.
As work on important policy issues continue, all NIH employees
and contractors are encouraged to use the free resources available
as you consider quitting or supporting co-workers in their efforts.
Tobacco-Free NIH Working Group
In compliance with the HHS tobacco-free policy, NIH established
a trans-NIH working group that includes representation from various
institutes and centers and members with expertise in labor relations,
administration and management, law, patient care, and communication.
These members, from both on- and off-campus, work to identify issues
and challenges specific to NIH, propose solutions, draft NIH policy,
and prepare implementation plans.
Until further policy is established, NIH's
existing smoking policy continues. For questions about the
tobacco-free NIH working group, contact Bob Ostrowski, the NIH
tobacco-free coordinator, at ro2t@nih.gov.
Why Go Tobacco-Free?
By encouraging tobacco cessation, NIH seeks to improve the health
of all employees and visitors. NIH, the Nation’s medical
research agency, will also serve as a model program for other agencies
and organizations that wish to initiate programs and policies to
promote healthy behaviors.
In addition, reducing tobacco use in the workplace:
- Increases productivity
- Decreases absenteeism
- And, possibly, lowers the cost of medical expenditures associated
with tobacco use
What are the Benefits of a Smoke-Free
Workplace?
Smoke-free workplaces protect the health of nonsmokers and provide
an environment that encourages smokers to either quit or cut back.
Totally smoke-free workplaces, such as smoke-free campuses, have
an even greater effect on tobacco consumption than policies that
allow smoking in designated areas.
Additional benefits include:
- Long-term success in quitting smoking
- Lower consumption rates among non-quitters
- Increased cost savings for employers, including costs associated
with:
- Fire risk
- Damage to property and furnishings
- Cleaning
- Worker's compensation
- Disability
- Retirement
- Injuries
- Life insurance
Additional information:
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