.UAE+Launches+Guide+to+a+Tobacco-Free+Workplace+—+ARN+News+Center
In a significant step towards promoting health and well-being in workplaces, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has published a comprehensive guide to creating tobacco-free environments. The guide, titled “Guidelines for a Tobacco-Free Workplace,” provides clear and practical recommendations to support employers in implementing smoke-free policies and establishing healthy workspaces. The guide emphasizes the detrimental effects of tobacco use on both individuals and organizations. It highlights the increased health risks associated with smoking, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Additionally, it underscores the economic costs of tobacco use, such as absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare expenses. Outlined in the guide are specific measures employers can take to create tobacco-free workplaces. These include: *
Establishing smoke-free policies:
Prohibiting smoking in all indoor and outdoor areas of the workplace. *
Providing cessation support:
Offering employees access to smoking cessation programs, resources, and counseling. *
Raising awareness:
Conducting educational campaigns and health promotion initiatives to inform employees about the dangers of tobacco use. *
Enforcing compliance:
Establishing mechanisms to ensure adherence to tobacco-free policies and applying appropriate disciplinary measures for violations. The guide also provides advice on dealing with specific challenges, such as managing designated smoking areas, handling employee requests for accommodations, and addressing tobacco cravings. It encourages employers to adopt a supportive and non-punitive approach, focusing on promoting healthy behavioral change. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) played a key role in developing the guide, collaborating with experts in tobacco control, occupational health, and human resources management. The guide aligns with the UAE’s National Tobacco Control Policy, which aims to reduce tobacco use prevalence and protect the population from its harmful effects. With the launch of this guide, the UAE demonstrates its commitment to fostering healthier workplaces and promoting the well-being of its workforce. It is a valuable resource for employers seeking to create smoke-free environments, improve employee health, and enhance workplace productivity.Guide to a Tobacco-Free Workplace Launched by UAE Ministry of Health
Guide to a Tobacco-Free Workplace Launched by UAE Ministry of Health
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has released a comprehensive guide to promote tobacco-free workplaces and combat smoking-related hazards. The guide provides instructions for managers and staff on creating a smoke-free environment, dealing with violations, and supporting employees who wish to quit smoking. The guide highlights the detrimental effects of smoking on individual health and the environment, as well as the advantages of quitting. It also outlines existing regulations under Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control, which prohibit smoking in enclosed public spaces and restrict tobacco use in specific areas such as government buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and public transport. According to Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Deputy Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, the Guide to a Tobacco-Free Workplace is a valuable tool for both government and private entities to promote a workplace free from tobacco use. It aligns with the UAE’s commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which aims to protect individuals from exposure to secondhand smoke in workplaces and public spaces.The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining a tobacco-free workplace. The guide aims to assist employers in implementing effective tobacco control policies and provides practical recommendations for preventing tobacco use in the workplace. The guide covers various aspects of tobacco control, including: * Establishing a tobacco-free policy * Creating a smoke-free environment * Providing cessation support and resources * Addressing tobacco-related discrimination * Monitoring and evaluating progress MoHAP emphasizes the importance of a smoke-free workplace for protecting the health and well-being of employees. Tobacco smoke exposure can lead to numerous health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. By eliminating tobacco use in workplaces, employers can reduce the risk of these health hazards and create a healthier and more productive work environment. The guide is available on the MoHAP website and is intended to serve as a valuable tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking to implement tobacco-free workplace policies.
