Public Notices - Morrow County Ohio

MORROW COUNTY SMOKE FREE, TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS POLICY

RESOLUTION 13-R-365

ADOPTED JULY 1, 2013

PURPOSE:

Morrow County is committed to the health of its employees and residents. The health hazards related to all tobacco products, including but not limited to smoking and/or smokeless tobacco, are well documented. The health hazards related to smoking impact both the smoker and non-smoker exposed to secondhand smoke. The purpose of the Morrow County Smoke Fee, Tobacco Free Workplace Policy is to comply with the Ohio Smoking Ban (ORC 3794), to provide clean air to employees and visitors on all county owned property and in all county owned vehicles, and to provide a work environment that supports employee health.

The Smoke Free, Tobacco Free Policy is part of the County’s broader employee wellness program intended to provide employees with a healthy workplace, access to health insurance, preventive health services, and health information.

POLICY:

1.1 Smoking or lighting of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or other substances is prohibited on County property. Use of smokeless tobacco products, including chew and snuff, is prohibited on County property. Property is defined as all building, grounds, parking lots, and motor vehicles owned by Morrow County, Ohio.

1.2 This policy shall apply to all county employees, subcontractors, and visitors while on County property at the following campuses during business and non-business hours:

1.21 THE COURTHOUSE, ENGINEER’S OFFICE, PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE & WALNUT PLACE CAMPUSES, shall be smoke free in the buildings, at entrances, and in the parking lots. The designated smoking areas for the campuses are on the public sidewalks.

1.3 As necessary, this policy shall be modified to comply with regulating state and federal laws.

1.4 This policy shall take effect on July 15, 2013, with a transition period to run from July 15, 2013 through September 1, 2013. During the transition, reminders will be issued to those violating the policy. Enforcement of the policy shall begin September 1, 2013.

1.5 Violations of this policy by employees will be treated according to the county’s progressive discipline schedule.

1.5.1 The first time an employee is found in violation of this policy, he/she will receive a verbal warning, including a review of the policy.

1.5.2 The second time an employee is found in violation of this policy, he/she will receive a verbal written warning.

1.5.3 A third violation will result in a written warning.

1.5.4 A fourth violation may result in suspension without pay to underscore the seriousness of the situation.

1.5.5 Subsequent violations may result in termination.

1.6 Subcontractors or visitors violating the policy will be informed of the County’s policy and politely asked to comply. Subcontractors or visitors refusing to comply with the policy will be asked to leave County property, and will be invited to return to conduct business once they have finished and are able to comply with the policy.

1.7 Any person who observes a violation of this policy by an employee may report violations to the supervisor of the employee in question. Once the employee’s supervisor has been notified of a violation, or if the supervisor observes the violation directly, the supervisor is responsible to discuss the violation with the employee and taking appropriate disciplinary action. If the problem persists, an employee observing the violations may contact Patricia Davies, Director of Operations at 419-947-7535.

1.8 The County provides a range of resources to assist County employees who want to quit smoking and/or quit other tobacco products, including:

1.8.1 Tobacco cessation support through the Ohio tobacco Quit Line at

www.ohio.quitlogix.org or 1-800-784-8669;

1.8.2 Coverage of pharmaceuticals to assist with tobacco cessation (for employees covered by the county insurance) plan through Caremark at 1-800-896-2183;

1.8.3 A counseling visit with the employee’s primary care physician (employees covered by the county insurance plan); and

1.8.4 Referrals to area smoking cessation programs and services through the County Wellness Program by calling Kelly Hand, Morrow County Health Department, 419-947-1545, ext 314

BOARD OF MORROW COUNTY COMMISSIONERS