Example, a store which in the past allowed employees to smoke during their breaks outside the back door now has a policy that states that there is "no smoking allowed on company property, including the loading docks." The only place that the smokers are allowed to smoke is in their cars in the parking lot during their breaks. What do you think?
2007-05-22 09:30:44 · 7 answers · asked by 4532 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Yes, companies are allowed to make rules which permit or disbar certain types of behavior on their property, from enforcing uniform/attire standards, to prohibiting alcohol on premises, to requiring employees to answer the phones a certain way.
Smoking is no different - it's a voluntary, unnecessary behavior that can negatively affect the health of others in the vicinity. Companies that prohibit this behavior are probably ahead of the legal curve - there have already been legal challenges from food service workers claiming that exposure to secondhand smoke at work has made them ill. It's a matter of time before someone holds an employer liable for NOT banning smoking in and around the workplace.
2007-05-22 11:24:44 · answer #1 · answered by Mel 6 · 74⤊ 18⤋
Of course, it's private property. The business owners/managers have the right to make rules for their privately-owned business. If you don't like it, get a job somewhere else.
2014-04-27 13:58:54 · answer #2 · answered by xfilesfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your employer cannot stop you from leaving if you are off the clock. Due to insurance and workers comp you cannot leave for your 10-15 min breaks. I do feel for you but no they do not have to provide a smoking area. If they do-your smoke travels through the air and can bother non smokers and residents of the care home. You would be surprised at how far cigarette smoke can travel and still smell very potent. A stress free environment doesn't include a place for people's bad habits even if every employee and resident all smoked. You are free to request a smoking area. You might want to get a petition first or talk to your human resouces office. This is actually getting more and more common so be prepared for them to turn you down.
2016-04-01 02:51:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. It is private property for one. Other issues include the appearance of the property to prospective clients/shoppers/etc., safety of employees and visitors, and money - property insurance, etc.
2007-05-22 09:39:19 · answer #4 · answered by Steve P 3 · 7⤊ 3⤋
This is actually their right as the property owner and even though it stinks for those of us that smoke, we have to consider their side of the matter, they may have had complaints from other employees or customers and in the end, the store has to honor their customers.
2007-05-22 09:35:20 · answer #5 · answered by blessedbytheluvofjah 2 · 13⤊ 4⤋
yes. it is private property, therefore they are allowed to make that stipulation.
2007-05-22 09:34:57 · answer #6 · answered by Doug K 2 · 14⤊ 2⤋
Just give them a few more weeks and they'll put stop to smoking in your car, even on the road. Don't think so? rmember the case in Massachusetts a few years back where a company said any employee smoking in their own house, automobile, yard or anywhere else would be terminated? That case was upheld by the court because the company was paying the biggest part of their health insurance, therefor it was decided they had the right to tell them how to live.
Free country? I'm afraid not.
2007-05-22 09:39:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 16⤊ 16⤋