Smoking in the workplace continues to be an issue in Grey Bruce.
Alen Hawes is a Tobacco Enforcement and Education Officer with the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
He says the vast majority of tobacco-related complaints reported by the public last year were for smoking in the workplace.
Hawes says of the 177 complaints — 106 of them fell under the ‘smoking in enclosed workplace or public space’ category.
Hawes says company vehicles are proving to be a trouble spot, whether they are delivery trucks, construction vehicles, or taxicabs.
He says management must make it clear to their employees that their vehicles do constitute part of their workplace.
Hawes also says management needs to follow through and report violations so that employees don’t feel they can get away with smoking in their vehicles once they’re out of sight of the boss.
Hawes says smoking in enclosed public places is also an issue in Grey Bruce and there needs to be more education of what constitutes a public place.
He says under the Smoke Free Ontario Act, an enclosed public space is defined as having three sides and a roof.
Hawes says the entrances to Heritage Place Mall in Owen Sound would be an example of a smoke free zone but even with posted signs it seems many people still light up there.
Hawes says of the 177 complaints lodged in 2009 — 91 charges were laid — 52 of those under the ‘smoking in enclosed workplace or public space’ category.
A violation of the Smoke Free Ontario Act will land you with a 305 dollar fine.
Hawes invites the public to report any smoking violations to the Tobacco Enforcement Officers with the Health Unit.