Tobacco Use in the Workplace: Research and Resources

According to the World Health Organization, the tobacco epidemic has tremendously impacted global public health with more than 8 million deaths per year and another 1.2 million deaths due to second-hand smoke.

With over 1.3 billion tobacco users, more than 80% reside in low to middle income countries that bear the burden of illness and mortality from its use. Tobacco use contributes to poverty through diversion of household spending to tobacco rather than food or shelter.

The economic costs of tobacco use are considerable and includes healthcare and loss of productivity. In fact, research at the health Policy Center of the University of Illinois at Chicago found that the total global economic cost of smoking is estimated at around $US 1.85 trillion, or around 1.8% of global GDP.

Some of the effects of smoking to the workplace include increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced productivity.

Tobacco Research and Resources

Tobacco - World Health Organization

Banning smoking from the workplace - World Health Organization

WHO reports progress in the fight against tobacco epidemic - World Health Organization

Strengthening tobacco-free worksite policies in India - Tobacco Influenced Diseases

Guide to Supporting a Smoke-free Workplace (New South Wales, Australia)

Workplace Electronic Health Promotion Campaigns for Tobacco Smoking Prevention or Cessation - Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, Ottawa, Ontario

Health matters: stopping smoking – what works? - UK Government

Factors Influencing Implementation of a Workplace Tobacco Cessation Intervention in India: A Qualitative Exploration - National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

Tobacco in the Workplace – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Promoting Health and Preventing Disease and Injury Through Workplace Tobacco Policies – U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention