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Smoke-Free

Smoke-Free

The University amended its By-Laws to prohibit smoking on ECU grounds in January 2012.

This policy and the By-Laws prohibit smoking and vaping on ECU campuses.

The content below outlines the different approaches which staff, students and managers may wish to use when dealing with non-compliance.  It is extremely important that these issues are managed with sensitivity and consistency across all campuses noting the following:

  • It is everyone's right and responsibility to maintain a healthy workplace;
  • It is everyone's right to be treated with courtesy and respect; and
  • The smoke free initiative applies to staff, students and visitors.

Dialogue for everyone to use:

  • If you see a colleague smoking remind them politely that ECU campuses are smoke free; and
  • If the person/persons persist you should refer the matter to your line manager or Supervisor.

If you feel intimidated approaching the individual or feel threatened when advising someone to cease smoking, you may contact campus security on 6304 3333.

For Staff

This can be a particularly sensitive or awkward issue when you are interacting with people that share your work area.

Always assume that the person smoking is not aware of the rule. Bring to their attention in a friendly manner that ECU is smoke-free. If you see a colleague smoking, remind them politely that ECU campuses are smoke-free.

The first time this happens you may want to initiate a casual conversation.  Making the assumption that the person may not be aware of the initiative, provide them with the information that:

  • ECU campuses are smoke free;
  • cessation programs and further information has been made available to assist them on the smoke free website; and
  • the Employment Assistance Program is also available and can assist with stress management, coping skills or further support as required.

If the situation continues you should raise your concerns with your line manager. Your P&C Business Partner can also provide advice on the options available.

For Managers/Line Supervisors

Creating the expectation

To establish some clear boundaries and expectations:

  • Include in Staff and Student Inductions that ECU is smoke free.

Dealing with non-compliance

The University's Code of Conduct requires all students and staff to comply with University Statutes, Rules and Policies. Non-compliance with the Smoke-Free Policy is therefore to be dealt with in the same way you would manage any other policy breach.

For more assistance, and guidance on how to manage specific situations, speak to you P&C Business Partner.

The person who continues to smoke on campus

If you have already tried the above advice, including having a casual conversation, mentioning cessation programs and referring them to the smoke-free website and they have not changed their behaviour, you may need to consider further action.

Inform the person that you are aware that they are continuing to smoke on campus and that they are in contravention of the University By-laws and smoke-free policy.

Should this continue you should raise your concerns with your line manager. Your P&C Business Partner can also provide advice on the options available.

Staff spending excessive time on smoke breaks

Because staff are not allowed to smoke on campus, this does not give smokers permission to spend extended periods of time off campus on smoke breaks.  Absence from the workplace is a matter for the line manager to address.

For more assistance, speak to you P&C Business Partner.

Enforcing the By-Laws

The University Council has amended the By-laws and created a Smoke Free Guideline to create the legislative and policy framework for a smoke-free ECU. Students and staff are required to abide by the By-Laws and supporting policies & guidelines.

However, imposing the penalties in the By-Laws or invoking the breach provisions in the Code of Conduct are considered to be the last resort.

For Students

The dialogue/conversation

Always assume that the person smoking is not aware of the rule. Bring to their attention in a friendly manner that ECU campuses are now smoke-free.

Students are expected to comply with University By-Laws and guidelines. If a student is seen smoking by an officer authorised under the By-Laws an infringement notice may be issued.

Further information on ECU Smoke-Free can be found here.

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