4.15 Smoking Policy |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
The company will make every effort to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
The company will encourage staff to set high standards of health and safety by personal example, in order that young people leaving our care should take with them an attitude of mind which accepts good health and safety practice as normal.
This Chapter relates to smoking by staff, for procedures re smoking by children and young people, see Drugs and Substance Misuse Procedure (which contains a section on young people who smoke).
This is a No Smoking organisation.
Since July 2007, it has been against the law to smoke in workplaces (including work vehicles) and virtually all enclosed public places in England. Similar legislation exists in Scotland and Wales.
Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, is at the heart of this legislation. Whilst most homes were smoke free before 2007 this new laws place the focus on the potential risks to the health of staff and young people exposed to or in the proximity of others people smoking.
Acknowledging that some children may be smokers before they come into our care. It is essential that we highlight this as a hazard; and identify ways to reduce the risk to others.
It is our policy to actively discourage smoking by means of Health promotion, Education, direct work sessions. Group work and support from the young person's General Practitioner.
No staff member will smoke in the company of children (at any time).
In addition staff must not be required to be in the close proximity of young people or other staff who are smoking.
Young people who do smoke, will do so only in designated areas outside of the building and well away from other young people and staff.
Staff will not purchase or collude with any individual, to obtain smoking related products for a young person. Disciplinary action will be taken against any member of staff found to be involved in such practice.
No-smoking signs must be displayed in all premises and vehicles.
Young people who do not have parental consent to smoke will not be permitted to smoke.
Any young person that is allowed to smoke must have this detailed in his care plan (and the issue should be discussed at intervals in his meetings/reviews). The young person will be encouraged to attend group or individual sessions related to stopping smoking, attendance and progress being recorded in the young person's file.
Any child in possession of cigarettes or smoking related materials/equipment must hand these items to staff prior to going to bed each night. At no time will there be smoking in any of the rooms or bedrooms failure to comply may result in the young person's placement being put at risk.
Further to ongoing support; there will be posters, leaflets and help line telephone numbers available on the young people's notice boards.
This policy conforms to fire safety risk assessment and incorporates the safety of others in the home.
NHS Stop Smoking Services are available across England and Wales and offer smokers free group or 1:1 counselling in support of their quit attempt. NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) is available on prescription. Smokers using NHS services and NRT are up to 4 times more likely to quit than with no support at all. |
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