Okaloosa County BOCC — June 21, 2016 — Tobacco Free Workplace Plan

TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE PLAN In looking for efforts the County could take toward lowering health insurance premiums, The Board of County Commissioners approved implementing a non-smoking/non tobacco use policy on September 16, 2014. On average, health care costs for employees who smoke are up to 34% higher than those who do not use tobacco, and workers who smoke experience 75% or more lost productive time than nonsmoking workers. As determined by Tobacco Free Florida, costs associated with tobacco use by County employees exceeds $1.3 million dollars in lost productivity and healthcare related expenses. The following is a plan to implement a Tobacco Free Workplace Program for Okaloosa County effective October 1, 2016.  April 2016 – o Create a committee to coordinate the preparation process. o Review existing policies related to tobacco use and identify what services are currently provided to help employees quit. o Meet with AHEC to determine which programs to implement to assist employees to quit.  May 2016 o Write a formal Tobacco Free policy and seek approval from the Board of County Commissioners o Develop an evaluation plan to gather baseline data for measuring results. o Identify appropriate communication channels for promoting the policy through multiple mediums. o Develop communication materials to announce the policy. o Determine how to monitor and respond to input and feedback from employees and management after the policy is announced.  June 2016 o Communicate the programs to be offered to employees to help them quit.  July 2016 o Begin first classes for tobacco users wishing to quit tobacco use. o Post signs announcing tobacco free initiative in high traffic areas.  Aug 2016 o Continue classes for tobacco users wishing to quit tobacco use. o Plan promotional kickoff event to engage employees. o Develop enforcement plans and feedback procedures.  Sept 2016 o Install tobacco free signage before the October 1, 2016 launch date. o Remove all ashtrays and smoking shelters the day the policy goes into effect. o Update policy manuals. o Train managers how to enforce the policy and handle tobacco violations.  Oct 2016 o Tobacco Free Workplace in effect.