CLEAR the AIR

SMOKE-FREE POLICY

Effective Date: November 17, 2005
Scope: Health Sciences Campus

1. Policy/Procedure Purpose
   
   The Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing are proud to be at the forefront of health-related research and education. Smoking related illnesses (including those related to environmental tobacco smoke) comprise the largest proportion of preventable disease. The Health Sciences Campus (HSC) serves as a model for our community in the area of promoting the good health of our staff and influencing public attitude about smoking. Therefore, it is appropriate for the HSC to provide a totally smoke-free work environment and to conduct programs designed to assist employees in adhering to this vision.
   
   It is the policy of HSC to provide a smoke-free workplace and environment, prohibiting smoking in its facilities (owned or leased) or on its adjacent grounds within its boundaries, parking lots (including inside personal vehicles), and ramps. Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, BIDIS, KRETEX, cigarillos, blunt and pipe smoking.
   
   
2. Policy Standards
   
   The primary purpose of this smoke free policy is to reduce smoking and improve the health of both smokers and non-smokers, not topenalize or punish staff, faculty, students, or visitors. It is our hope that all members of the Case community will help to remind violators of the policy and help their colleagues and others to Clear the Air.
   
   
   
   
   1. All members of the Case community are responsible for observing this policy. They are expected to adhere to standard practices in resolving issues of nonconformance (in addressing employee complaints) and maintaining expected levels of productivity within their work groups.
   2. Smoking in HSC buildings (owned or leased) and on HSC grounds, parking lots, and ramps is prohibited. Signage to this effect shall be erected and maintained at all public entrances to all HSC facilities.
   3. This policy applies to all persons, including staff, faculty, students, patients, visitors, contractors, subcontractors, and others in HSC buildings and on HSC grounds, parking lots, and ramps.
   4. Human Resources will inform employment candidates of the no-smoking policy during the hiring interview and new employee orientation.
   5. A smoking cessation program is offered on an ongoing basis to faculty, students, and staff seeking assistance to quit smoking. These classes are offered free of charge to students, faculty, and staff whose work or study is primarily based on the Health Science Campus. One family member (including spouse or domestic partner) of HSC faculty, staff or students, as well as non-health sciences campus faculty, staff and students, may utilize the program for a fee of $100 (plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) at cost).
   6. This policy will be humanely enforced with all employees. Employees who smoke in prohibited areas will be reminded of the policy and asked to stop. Repeat violators may be subject to the disciplinary process. Faculty and students will be addressed accordingly.
   7. All HSC employees and leadership staff are expected to observe and promote compliance with the no-smoking policy. Anyone observing a violation of the policy may courteously remind the smoker of the no-smoking policy and suggest that smoking materials be extinguished.
   8. Any questions regarding this policy should be addressed to the Employee Relations Department.