The Woonsocket Housing Authority is dedicated to providing a healthful, comfortable, and productive work environment for all its employees.
Effective March 7, 2005, The Woonsocket Housing Authority will implement a smoke-free policy for all employees, clients, visitors and our Board of Commissioners. This policy is designed in compliance with Chapter 23-20.10 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island, entitled "Workplace Smoking Pollution Control Act."
Smoking will be prohibited on all Woonsocket Housing Authority owned and/or leased locations; all internal and external areas, including parking lots; all entrances and exits; and all Authority-owned and/or -leased vehicles. Authority-sponsored events, both on our premises and at external locations, will be smoke-free. This policy is in effect during and after working hours. The only exceptions are outside areas specifically designated for smoking by The Woonsocket Housing Authority away from entrances and air-intake systems.
The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness and cooperation of everyone. All employees share the responsibility of following and enforcing the policy. Any problems should be referred to the appropriate supervisor. Employees who do not comply with this policy will be subject to the same disciplinary action accorded violations of other business policies. Any questions you may have regarding this policy should be directed to the Human Resources Manager at (401) 767-8021.
The Woonsocket Housing Authority is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable, safe and productive environment for all employees, residents and visitors. We recognize our overriding responsibility toward that goal is to protect those with breathing disabilities. Therefore, the following "Smoke-Free Policy" will be in place as of September 1, 2005.
Smoking is prohibited in all buildings owned, operated or maintained by The Woonsocket Housing Authority. This ban on smoking includes the leased premises as well as all common areas and common ways, both within the building. Violation of the smoking policy shall be deemed a lease violation for tenants and a violation of the rules and regulations of The Woonsocket Housing Authority for all others and will be acted upon as such.
A specific exterior smoking area will be designated at all Woonsocket Housing Authority properties for the use of residents, visitors and employees.
This policy has been formulated in conjunction with Rhode Island General Law Title 23, Chapter 23-20.10, and HUD letter 7-18-2003, Chief General Council, Sheila Y. Walker. In addition, research from the Public Health Institute and Smoke-Free Environments Law Project was consulted.