It seems as though you can’t walk down the street, flip a page in a magazine, or browse through stores without stumbling upon something that has to do with vaping nowadays. It is such a hot trend among people of all ages, and only seems to be growing in popularity.

Just as with anything that starts to pick up traction and catch on, vaping has now drawn more attention to itself causing people to look at proper etiquette and what’s allowed where. One of the hottest questions of the moment is vaping in the workplace from both the employee’s and employer’s standpoint.

We’ll take a look at e-cigarettes and the workplace, and provide you with an employer’s guide that can not only help direct employers’ but also give employees guidelines to follow.

What Are E-Cigarettes

Before getting to the guidelines, it’s important employers have a definition of what e-cigarettes are. This definition can be included in their guidebook/manual or internal office memo if they wish to create one. E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are a nicotine delivery system that is battery operated. The nicotine is delivered using chemicals and flavors and produces none of the smoke that traditional cigarettes create.

They can look like cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or other items. You can then purchase accessories such as refillable tanks like the tfv8 through companies like Misthub.

As for how popular these devices are, currently there are over 250 brands available on the market. Obviously, it’s a pretty big business.

Regulations Depend on Where Your Business is Located

Because this trend is still relatively new, businesses are still trying to work out the regulations and details. What it comes down to is the location of your business. For example, in England regulation was introduced in 2007 that involved a smoking ban.

This smoking ban has now left many employers confused as to where electronic cigarettes fit into the fold. With over 2.8 million people vaping in Great Britain, it is an issue that is requiring attention from not just employers but the government.

Canada is going through the same sorts of issues, since it too banned smoking in the workplace. Some areas in the country are now starting to also ban e-cigarettes in the workplace, but this isn’t a countrywide regulation at this point.

So, what about here in the United States? Well, it seems there is confusion at home as well.

What is important to note is that the U.S. Surgeon General has deemed e-cigarettes as tobacco products, which means this could lay the groundwork for regulations in the workplace, or at least guidelines for employers to use.

Companies Are Setting Their Own Regulations

It appears for now many of the big companies here in the U.S. are in fact setting their own guidelines, which involves educating their employees on the standards and expectations of the workplace. Right now, McDonalds allows its customers and employees to vape on its premises, while Starbucks, CVS Caremark, and Walmart have banned it on their premises. ExxonMobil decided to go a different route and created designated vaping areas where employees can go to vape.

Companies can continue to set their own regulations up until the point that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration create their own regulations.

What is the Best Route to Take?

This confusion doesn’t do much to help today’s employers. They’ve got a few choices to mull over – ban it outright, create designated vaping areas, or allow it on the premises in any area.

For those employers who are on the fence about what to do, it seems as though the best solution is to compromise and offer designated vaping areas. This provides customers, clients, and employees a place to go where they can feel free to vape, but at the same time it’s not “disturbing” other people.

Of course, it’s important to also check your state and federal laws to ensure you are working within their regulations and guidelines where tobacco and e cigarettes are concerned.

Alert All Employees of the Company Rules

Once you have decided the best route for your company, it’s important to discuss it with the employees. It should be put down in writing and distributed among all employees. You may even want to hold a meeting where you can answer any questions and concerns they may have.

When drafting your own company policy, you will also want to pay close attention to the wording, making sure you are clear and that you adhere to your insurance plan and smoking policy. Of course, you will also want to be sure you stay on top of all the latest news regarding vaping in the workplace, so if regulations change you are aware of it.

Shift Frequency © 2017 – E-Cigarettes and the Workplace