HomeMy WebLinkAboutTobacco Free Policy Date: January 16, 2013
To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator
Re: Draft Tobacco Free Policy
At your January 23, 2013 work session staff will present a draft tobacco free facilities and
grounds policy. As background, several months ago Tobacco Cessation Coordinator David
Visiko presented a proposal to the Board to adopt a tobacco free policy for County facilities and
grounds. At this work session, representatives from the Bend Parks and Recreation District, St.
Charles Medical Center, and Telecare discussed their respective organization’s experience with
going tobacco free. The Board directed staff to develop a policy for consideration.
Attached is the draft tobacco free facilities and grounds policy. This policy only applies to
Deschutes County owned property and facilities. It does not apply to the public rights of way or
private property. This draft policy was sent to Deschutes County employee unions and
associations for review.
Deschutes County Administrative Policy No. GA-7
Effective Date: TBD
TOBACCO-FREE FACILITIES AND GROUNDS
STATEMENT OF POLICY
It is the policy of Deschutes County to ensure a tobacco-free environment through positive and
educational messaging that promotes the long-term health and safety of Deschutes County
employees and the public.
Smoking and the use of other tobacco products is the number one cause of preventable death in
the United States. Secondhand smoke exposure is also a major health risk. In addition to the
direct health risks of smoke inhalation, smoking is estimated to be the number one cause of fire
related death and injury in the United States, and is a major cause of wildland fires. The
environmental impact of smoking is also large as toxic cigarette filters are the most frequently
littered item in the United States, and have negative impacts on the environment and wildlife.
APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to all Deschutes County employees, volunteers, clients, visitors, and vendors.
It is not the intent of this policy to shift tobacco use to neighboring private property without the
owner's consent.
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this policy, unless otherwise specified, the following definitions shall apply:
• Tobacco-free: Tobacco is neither smoked, ingested, nor used in any manner.
• Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and any other smoking product; dip, chew, snuff,
snus, and any other smokeless tobacco product; and nicotine delivery devices, such as
electronic cigarettes, excluding FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products for
the purpose of tobacco cessation.
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
1. Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds -the use of all tobacco products is not permitted at any
time within any interior space of facilities owned or occupied by Deschutes County; on all
outdoor property or grounds owned or occupied by Deschutes County, including parking
areas; in private vehicles while on Deschutes County property; and in vehicles owned by
Deschutes County.
2. Communication of Policy -signs will be used to designate a Deschutes County owned or
occupied facility as a "Tobacco-Free Property." Signs bearing this message will be clearly
posted at the perimeter of the property, at each vehicular and pedestrian entrance, and at
other prominent locations. Each building owned or occupied will also display a decal that
states "Tobacco-Free Building" at each entrance or exit. Any additional language on these
signs should promote the success of the policy through education and be delivered in a
positive tone. The Property and Facilities Department will be responsible for signage.
The tobacco-free policy applies at all facilities and grounds owned or occupied by Deschutes
County regardless of whether or not signs are posted.
3. Tobacco Use Cessation Support -Deschutes County is committed to providing tobacco use
cessation support to all Deschutes County employees who wish to stop using tobacco
products. Tobacco use cessation resource infonnation will be provided to any employee who
expresses an interest in seeking help to stop using tobacco products. Deschutes County
volunteers, contractors, clients and visitors may be referred to the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line
(1-800-QUIT-NOW [English] or 1-877-2NO-FUME [Spanish]), which is a free tobacco
cessation resource.
4. Responsibilities -adherence to this policy is the responsibility of all Deschutes County
employees. Contractors, clients, students, visitors, and others must also comply with this
policy while on Deschutes County-owned property. Employees who do not confonn to this
policy may be subject to discipline. Contractors in violation of this policy will be reported to
their supervisor at the contracting organization.
5. Supervisory Responsibilities -this policy will be enforced through administrative action by
supervisors and managers. In general, supervisors are responsible for ensuring that
employees under their direction are aware of the policy and comply with it and for taking
appropriate action to correct noncompliance. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all
employees are notified of the new policy and receive a copy of the policy. Any person who
observes violations of the policy may report these violations to the supervisor of the
employee in question.
6. Success of Policy -the success of this policy is the shared responsibility of all Deschutes
County personnel. Employees are provided with materials to help communicate this policy
to co-workers, volunteers, contractors, clients and visitors with courtesy, respect, and
diplomacy.
This policy is operationalized by providing education and support rather than strict
enforcement, especially with the public in areas where there is a limited presence of
Deschutes County personnel.
Deschutes County's Tobacco Prevention & Education Program Coordinator at the Health
Services Department is responsible for providing educational materials, employee training,
and technical assistance; addressing policy related questions, feedback, and concerns; and
ongoing monitoring of this policy.
Approved by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on [date].
Tom Anderson
Interim County Administrator