Tobacco Use in the Workplace: Research and Resources
According to the World Health Organization, the tobacco epidemic has tremendously impacted global public health with more than 8 million deaths per year and another 1.2 million deaths due to second-hand smoke.
With over 1.3 billion tobacco users, more than 80% reside in low to middle income countries that bear the burden of illness and mortality from its use. Tobacco use contributes to poverty through diversion of household spending to tobacco rather than food or shelter.
The economic costs of tobacco use are considerable and includes healthcare and loss of productivity. In fact, research at the health Policy Center of the University of Illinois at Chicago found that the total global economic cost of smoking is estimated at around $US 1.85 trillion, or around 1.8% of global GDP.
Some of the effects of smoking to the workplace include increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced productivity.
Tobacco Research and Resources
Tobacco - World Health Organization
Banning smoking from the workplace - World Health Organization
WHO reports progress in the fight against tobacco epidemic - World Health Organization
Strengthening tobacco-free worksite policies in India - Tobacco Influenced Diseases
Guide to Supporting a Smoke-free Workplace (New South Wales, Australia)
Health matters: stopping smoking – what works? - UK Government