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The first ever Smoke Free Awards were held in the Borough of Antrim on Thursday 10th November at 11.30 am at the Comfort Hotel, Antrim. Businesses who participated in the scheme, which was organised by Antrim Borough Council and supported by Ulster Cancer Foundation and Investing for Health, were presented with an award for promoting a work environment that is free from tobacco smoke.
Objectives of the Scheme: - to give recognition to local businesses which provide a smoke-free environment for their workforce and visitors
- to support local businesses in the Borough to progress to a smoke free environment in preparation for forthcoming legislation
- to develop a working relationship with all businesses in the Borough to enable the health promoting workplace agenda to be developed
Businesses who applied for this scheme were assessed according to set criteria to determine which level of award they were eligible for a Gold, Silver or Bronze award.. - Gold award winners have smoke free premises and company vehicles, have developed a policy on smoking in the workplace and have appropriate and adequate signage
- Silver award winners have smoke free premises and company vehicles and adequate signage but have yet to develop a written policy
- Bronze award winners have smoke free common areas and have clearly identified areas set aside for smoking. As of 1st November 2005 businesses will no longer be considered for the bronze award due to the smoking ban announced by the Minister for Health.
In light of the Minister for Health's recent announcement that smoking will be banned from all public enclosed spaces, including the workplace, from April 2007 businesses who participate in this scheme are at an advantage, as they already comply with future legislation. These businesses also received the information pack "Protecting Your Workforce From Tobacco Smoke" (produced in conjunction with the Health Promotion Agency) along with information on No-Smoking Day and Smoking Cessation Service Providers which exist within the Northern Health Board area. This additional information enables employers to support and encourage members of their workforce who are trying to kick their smoking habit. If your business is interested in receiving a smoke-free award the first step is to download, complete and return a questionnaire. All this information is available directly from Antrim Borough Council on request. For further information contact: Environmental Health Team
T: 9446 3113
E: wellbeing@antrim.gov.uk Links to Related Websites
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