STATEMENT OF POLICY
The Hospital is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment, and to comply with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (“the Act”). Temiskaming Hospital is a smoke-free environment. The Hospital notes that smoking poses a significant medically documented risk to the health of non-smokers as well as smokers.
Smoking is not permitted on Hospital property, either inside or outside, including parked cars, parking lots, bus shelters and courtyards (Ontario Regulation 268/18).
Smoking includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars or pipes containing burning tobacco, or any other substance (such as medical or recreational cannabis) that can be smoked in any other manner.
At the request of an Indigenous resident, the hospital shall set aside an indoor area, separate from any area where smoking is otherwise permitted, for the use of tobacco for traditional Aboriginal cultural or spiritual purposes.
In keeping with its commitment to health and wellness and as required by law, the sale and use of tobacco products is not permitted on Hospital property.
- Implementation of the Policy
The smoke-free rules apply to all staff, patients, volunteers, students, Board/Foundation members, physicians, contractors and to members of the public. All managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of responsibility. Anyone associated with the Hospital is also encouraged to report non-compliance, and is protected by the Act in doing so. Staff concerned about non-compliance with this policy should approach their supervisor or delegate. An individual found to be smoking in the smoke-free area (indoor or outdoor) of the hospital may be charged with an offence by the Timiskaming Health Unit’s Tobacco Enforcement Officer, and if convicted, could face a maximum fine of $1,000 - $5,000.
- Smoking Cessation Programs
Staff are encouraged to contact the Health and Safety/Occupational Health Coordinator to obtain information regarding Smoking Cessation Programs.
- Information Dissemination and Signage
Information about this smoking policy is published on the Hospital internal (Intranet) and external websites. Signs designating the Hospital as a smoke-free environment are posted prominently at entrances and exits and throughout the hospital property.
Effective February 11, 2019