Tobacco reforms

Two years on we can still breathe easy

March 2008 marks the second anniversary of smoke-free enclosed workplaces in Victoria.

The opportunity to make workplaces safer and healthier has been widely accepted, however tobacco enforcement officers still receive complaints about smoking in the workplace, some of which can result in enforcement action and fines as high as $550.60.

The ban applies to:

• employers
• employees
• voluntary workers
• customers or members of the public

Reducing the harms of smoking is one of the Victorian Government’s highest priorities in its program to improve the health of all Victorians. Tobacco use still accounts for almost 4,000 deaths in Victoria every year (Victorian Government Department of Human Services, 2005).

Exposure to tobacco smoke in the workplace significantly increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

For further information call the Tobacco Information Line on 1300 136 775 or visit the Information for workplaces area of this site.