Kevin Rowan column
Jan 23 2006 By Kevin Rowan, The Journal
This is certainly not the first time I have used this column to write about second-hand smoke and ill-health at work but, hopefully, it could be the last.
In the next few weeks MPs will have the chance to debate a ban on workplace smoking as part of the Government's Health Bill.
They will be asked to choose between a partial ban, with exemptions for places not serving food and for private clubs, or a complete ban in all workplaces.
From a worker perspective, there can be no justification for exposing one group of workers to what is known to kill and cause severe chronic illnesses to hundreds of workers each year, those employed in exempted workplaces, while protecting those working elsewhere. In fact, such a distinction could be challenged as discriminatory on human rights grounds.
Second-hand smoke certainly doesn't discriminate in the way that it harms workers. Exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease by 24% and 25% respectively. Second-hand smoke at work is estimated to cause the death of more than two people per working day across the UK as a whole - 617 deaths a year - including 54 deaths a year in the hospitality industry, or 35 people each year in the North-East. Exposure to second-hand smoke at work kills three times more workers than industrial accidents.
It is often claimed that effective ventilation systems will remove the effects of second-hand smoke. However, although they may remove the smell of tobacco smoke, they fail to eliminate the carcinogenic particles and gases from the air. The scientific evidence is strong - ventilation systems cannot eliminate the risk of death and disease.
There is no popular support for a partial ban either. Recent independent research into attitudes of people in the North-East towards smoking in public places demonstrated strong public support for a workplace ban - 73% of people believed that all workplaces and public places should be smoke-free and 84% felt that restaurants and cafes should be smoke-free.
Business interests, too, want to see one rule for all. I have heard that there are libertarian arguments playing on the mind of MPs, that smokers should be allowed to smoke and have a drink if they want. The right to smoke does not infer a right to kill, only a comprehensive ban will ensure all workers are protected.
Kevin Rowan is the regional secretary for the Northern TUC
