Minors Smoking
Dutch2
1,590 Posts
If an ee that is a minor (under age) is reported to be taking smoke breaks does the employer have any liabiltiy since the ee is not old enough to smoke... legally?
Comments
But this really isn't a workplace issue, so I would not try to enforce any ban on a minor smoking. I will look forward to hearing what others have to say.
I think I have to agree with Dasher, that this isn't really a workplace issue, unless there is some liability to the employer if a minor is caught smoking on their premises.
Not sure that this would be a workable solution, but if you could or ordinarily allow police officer access to your grounds, I might invite one to walk through at just the right time.
best wishes
How minor is the minor? I might react differently to a 17 year old than a 14 year old. .
Is an interesting topic. .
As a now non smoker who wasted money and health for many years I would feel a moral obligation to talk to the minor. .it would ease my conscious and they would let it go in one ear and out the other just like I did. .
I also agree that a smoke-free work environment would be the most visible response in an effort to resolve, and would probably reap benefits for the company in the long run. Trying to reach the one by banning an activity for everyone seems unfair and a sure way to spur negative feedback from workers. I would not have a problem banning smoking for the right reason. I just don't think taking such an extreme action is an appropriate reaction to concern over the conduct of one or two. I'm not a smoker, but I have come to find that happy workers are not disgruntled workers.
If banning smoking is appropriate, link it with a wellness program. Give the employees something to feel good about while they are having their nicotine fits during working hours.
best wishes
There is a young person in your employ who needs some guidance. Perhaps they aren't getting it anywhere else. Step up to the plate.
I struggled with a smoking habit for 10 years that got started when I was 19 in my first job (a restaurant). The waiters all smoked during the down times so I joined in. I had no idea that I was creating for myself a habit that would last a decade and become an addiction that would be extremely difficult to stop.
Do you know what the consequences would be if the individual is caught smoking? If they aren't purchasing them or being supplied by someone in your employ then would be curious to see what responsibility if any lies with the company. Do police departments treat this like they do underage drinking?
Second part is whether it's your responsibility or management in general to discuss this with your employee. This is a tougher one to decide and think the best person to cover this with the employee (if you decide to discuss with them) is someone they respect and trust - be it a peer, their manager or another manager. However, if they're not putting the company at risk for liability then struggle a bit with how to address and not overstep bounds as an employer.