The New School Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Use-Free Workplace Policy
Purpose
A smoke free policy has been developed to comply with the New York City Smoke-Free Air Act (Title 17, Chapter 5 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York) and New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (Article 13-E of the New York State Public Health Law), and to protect all employees and visitors from secondhand smoke, an established cause of cancer and respiratory disease. The policy set forth below is effective March 30, 2003 for all The New School locations.
Policy
Smoke-Free Areas
All areas of the workplace are now smoke-free without exception. Smoking and electronic cigarette use are not permitted anywhere in the workplace, including all indoor facilities and company vehicles with more than one person present. Smoking is not permitted in private enclosed offices, conference and meeting rooms, cafeterias, lunchrooms, employee lounges or Lang Courtyard.
Signage Requirement
“No Smoking and Electronic Cigarette Use” signs must be clearly posted at all entrances and on bulletin boards, bathrooms, stairwells and other prominent places. No ashtrays are permitted in any indoor area.
Compliance
Compliance with the smoke-free workplace policy is mandatory for all employees and persons visiting the University, with no exceptions. Employees who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action.
Any disputes involving smoking should be handled through the University’s procedure for resolving other work-related problems. If the problem persists, an employee can speak to the Human Resources Department at 212-229-5671 or lodge an anonymous complaint by calling the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s complaint line, 1-877-NYC-DOH7 (1-877-692-3647) or on the web at nyc.gov/health. DOHMH’s enforcement staff will take appropriate action to resolve the problem.
The law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who invoke the law or who request management’s assistance in implementing it in the workplace.
Additional Information
Smoking Cessation Options
The New School encourages all smoking employees to quit smoking. The New School’s Health Center offers a number of services for employees who want to quit. Smoking cessation information is available from the New York Smokers’ Quit Line at 1-866 NY QUITS (1-866-697-8487).
Questions
Any questions regarding the smoke free workplace policy should be directed to 212-229-5671.