Tips for Employers and Business Owners

Oregon’s new Smokefree Workplace Law goes into effect on January 1, 2009, expanding the number of business that must be smokefree. 

Why wait?  Go smokefree now and:

• Save money.
• Protect your employees
• Attract new customers—more than 80% of Oregonian’s don’t smoke.

Advantages to Going Smokefree

It’s good for business:

• It saves money—your business will be cleaner and free of cigarette burn marks.
• Less risk of fire.
• Some insurance companies will reduce rates for smokefree businesses.  Call your agent!

Your customers want it:

• 90% of Oregonians prefer smokefree indoor workplaces, including 76% of smokers.
• Attract new customers—more than 80% of Oregonian’s don’t smoke.
• Food tastes better!

Your employees want it:

• Smokefree workplaces help employees quite smoking.
• You and your employees will be healthier, which means fewer sick days.

How To Go Smokefree

It’s easy!  Make the decision.

• Determine your policy and date to go smokefree.  Involve staff in this discussion.

• Make information about the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line available to staff:

      1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-877-2NO-FUME (Spanish).

• Order or download free materials from the Oregon Tobacco Education Clearinghouse.
• List your business at http://smokefreeoregon.com to help people find you.

Several weeks before going smokefree, post signs, table tents or posters informing customers of the upcoming change.  Include a positive message, the date you’ll go smokefree and information on quitting.

On your first day:

• Post fliers or table tents announcing the new policy.
• Put NO SMOKING stickers on all doors and in all restrooms.
• Remove ashtrays.