[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Batavia 7-20-2011.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This resolution also superseded former
Ch. 54, Smoking Policy, adopted 11-30-1994.
This policy has been established to protect and promote the
health and well-being of employees and visitors. Tobacco use is responsible
for the premature deaths of over 430,000 Americans each year. Secondhand
smoke is responsible for over 50,000 deaths among non-smokers each
year. This policy will help to reduce the death and disease caused
by tobacco and substance use such as heart attacks, lung cancer, oral
cancer and other serious and costly diseases and illnesses. The Town
of Batavia has an obligation to its employees and the public to take
action known to protect peoples' health. The use of tobacco products
by employees or visitors compromises the mission of the Town of Batavia
providing a safe and healthy place to conduct business. The policy
set forth below is effective September 1, 2011 for Town of Batavia.
The workplace and Town properties are now tobacco-free, alcohol-free
and illegal-substance-free, without exception: specifically, the buildings
and grounds, parks and recreational areas, and Town-of-Batavia-owned
vehicles at all times, and any vehicles on the property.
Signs stating the policy will be clearly posted on the perimeter
of the property, at all entrances, and other prominent places. No
ashtrays or other collection receptacles for tobacco trash will be
placed on the property.
Compliance with the smoke-free and substance-free policy is
mandatory for all employees and persons visiting, with no exceptions.
Enforcement of this policy is the shared responsibility of all Town
of Batavia personnel. All employees are authorized and encouraged
to communicate this policy with courtesy, respect, and diplomacy,
especially with regard to visitors. If difficulties arise with compliance
of this policy, notify a department head. Incidents of smoking, tobacco
use, and substance use by employees are to be documented for supervisor
follow-up, as well as evaluated for trends and patterns of noncompliance.
The Town of Batavia encourages all employees who use tobacco
and/or substances to quit. The Town of Batavia Employee Assistance
Program offers support for employees who are trying to quit smoking
or chewing tobacco. Tobacco cessation information is also available
from Royal Employer Services, the Town of Batavia EAP, toll-free number
1-888-244-0680, or by contacting the EAP Program Coordinator at lpfalzer@gcasa.org.
Any questions regarding the tobacco-free and substance-free
property policy should be directed in writing to the Batavia Town
Clerk's Office.
