General Questions
- What is the Clear the Air initiative?
The Clear the Air initiative introduces a smoke-free policy
both indoors and out on Case’s Health Science Campus,
paralleling similar policies in effect on the University Hospitals
of Cleveland campus. It is our policy to provide a smoke-free
workplace and environment, prohibiting smoking by all persons
in the School of Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine,
and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing buildings,
facilities, and adjacent grounds (including parking lots).
The tobacco products prohibited include, but are not limited
to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, BIDIS, KRETEX, cigarillos,
blunts, and pipe smoking.
Why did the health sciences schools decide to
implement the smoke-free policy?
In our role as national leaders in health-related research
and education, the Case health sciences schools decided to
implement the smoke-free policy to underscore our commitment
to improving the health of our employees, students and visitors.
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What areas of the health science campus are smoke-free?
All walkways and grounds of the Case medical,
dental medicine and nursing schools, including the health
sciences podium, the health sciences garage, and other spaces
are covered by the smoke-free policy.
I use smokeless tobacco. Does the policy apply
to me?
Yes, the policy applies to smokeless tobacco
products as well.
Are employees and students required to quit smoking?
No. Case health sciences school employees and
students are not required to quit smoking; they are required
to smoke away from health sciences school properties. Please
note that the University Hospitals Health System is smoke-free
as well, and smoking is not be permitted on hospital grounds.
How should I handle breaks for employees who want
to smoke?
Case provides one hour of non-paid break time daily for staff,
assuming a 7.5 hour work day and work from 8:30 – 5:00p.m.
Case is not required to supplement this hour with additional
time for smoking or other breaks. Please take this opportunity
to review your departmental policy regarding breaks with your
employees. Ensure that employees are aware of the policy and
managers should be careful to apply it consistently and fairly
among their workgroup.
What will happen if someone violates the policy?
Remember that the primary purpose of the Clear
the Air initiative is to reduce smoking and improve the health
of both smokers and non-smokers, not to penalize or punish
staff, faculty, students, or visitors. We hope that everyone
will help to remind violators of the policy and help their
colleagues and others Clear the Air.
What should I do if I see someone violating the
policy?
After November 17, 2005, if you see someone
violating the policy or as a manager learn that one of your
employees has violated the policy, you may:
- Choose to remind the smoker of the smoke-free
policy. If the smoker’s response is aggressive or
confrontational, contact protective services (368-3333)
immediately.
- If you know the person is a Case employee,
you may choose to let the smoker’s supervisor know
of the violation. The supervisor may choose to take the
matter up with the person seen violating the policy.
- For repeat offenders, supervisors may issue
a verbal warning and document it in the department file.
- For continuing violations (e.g. more than
three), supervisors may initiate formal corrective action.
Supervisors should work with Human Resources and Employee
Relations to plan remedial action.
Smoking Cessation Program Questions
How are the Case Health Science Schools helping smokers comply with the policy?
Individuals who work and study on the Health Sciences Campus have the opportunity to participate in smoking cessation classes through the Case Wellness Program Initiative.
The Freedom From Smoking® (FFS) program is an eight-week cessation class designed by the American Lung Association and sponsored by the Cleveland Department of Public Health. FFS operates on the premise that smoking is a learned behavior and focuses on redirection of that behavior. Please send an e-mail to Tthomas@city.cleveland.oh.us for more information.
Are Case health sciences employees able to attend smoking cessations classes on work time?
The expectation is that employees who attend smoking cessation sessions will do so on their own time. Employees should obtain the permission of their supervisors to attend smoking cessation sessions if they fall during their normal work hours and should negotiate with their supervisors to make up the time they wish to spend in the cessation program.
What should I do if one of my employees comes to me requesting time to take a Case smoking cessation course?
Managers are encouraged to be supportive of employees who wish to attend smoking cessation classes by providing a flexible work schedule. However, employees are expected to attend classes on their own time. This may include before or after scheduled shifts, during lunch and/or breaks.
Whom should I contact for more information about smoking cessation courses?
For more information about smoking cessation courses, please send an e-mail to Tthomas@city.cleveland.oh.us. For general questions about the Case Wellness Program Initiative, please contact Denise S. Rowell at denise.rowell@case.edu.
What additional resources are available for people who smoke but wish to quit?
Smoking cessation assistance is also available through:
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