Do Companies Have to Provide Smoking Shelters
When working in an office environment and other workplaces, it is evident that there is a need for smoking shelters. Although the number of people who smoke in the UK has dropped significantly, there are still around 15% who smoke and a larger percentage who vape too. With vaping becoming increasingly prevalent, there is also a need for an area that caters to those who vape, as well as smokers.
There is very much a need for some employees to take a short smoking break to increase their efficiency, so it is ideal to take smokers and vapers into consideration when managing a hectic workplace.
Here at Bison, we provide high-quality and sturdy smoking shelters to suit all types of companies. It is vital to provide quality smoking areas for employees to use when needed. Having a separate space benefits smokers, non-smokers and the company. We explore some of the smoking shelter legal requirements and if you need to provide one for your staff.
Is it important to allow your employees to smoke?
Allowing your employees to have short smoking breaks can be quite crucial. For employees who smoke, it can increase their satisfaction in their role and their productivity levels too. If employees that get the urge to smoke don’t have somewhere to safely smoke or feel like they can’t, they can easily get distracted and become inefficient until they fulfil the need. This can negatively impact the work they do which can then have negative effects on the company.
However, this doesn’t mean that employees who smoke need to have longer breaks or more frequent ones. There should be a balance to benefit the employees and employer. To ensure this balance is practiced throughout the company, consider compiling some boundaries for smokers under your company’s smoking policy.
Do employers have to provide a smoking shelter?
A popular question amongst many business owners is “Do employers have to provide a smoking shelter?” Legally, the answer is no. Under UK law, it is not a legal requirement for companies to provide a smoking shelter for employees. However, providing one can be seen as considerate, promoting a positive workplace environment and showing respect for employees’ preferences. The law also states that after 6 hours of work, every employee has the right to a 20-minute break. During this break would be an apt time for smokers to take a smoke break to suit their needs and the company’s.
Why is it ideal to provide a smoking shelter?
Having a suitable smoking shelter is ideal as it provides a safe space for smokers and vapers to use when needed. This can reduce the risk of employees smoking near doorways, windows and areas where smoke may drift into non-smoking zones. Having a shelter aligns with workplace health and safety standards and prevents non-smokers from breathing in second-hand smoke, keeping everyone in the company happy.
The absence of a legal obligation to supply smoking shelters also ties into the Equal Opportunity Act. This act encourages organisations to be considerate of their employees’ needs. By having a designated smoking shelter, companies demonstrate inclusivity and fairness, ensuring all employees have a safe space without causing disruption to others.
What is the ideal smoking shelter distance from the building?
Another question that many business owners ask when it comes to smoking shelters is “What is the ideal smoking shelter distance from the building?" Due to there being no legal requirements for a smoking shelter, there is also no legal requirement on the distance of a shelter from the building.
However, as a general rule for companies to adhere to, smoking shelters should be at least 2 metres away from any adjacent structure. This is to prevent any ventilation difficulties and smoke drifting into non-smoking zones. If a shelter is too close to windows or doorways, smoke can easily drift into the building polluting a no-smoking zone.
What are the smoking shelter legal requirements?
Business owners often wonder what the smoking shelter legal requirements are and, in short, there are no legal requirements because you don’t need to legally provide one. However, there are general rules and considerations if you provide a smoking shelter. These are ideal to follow to best utilise the area without affecting anyone else.
One of these rules includes how enclosed a smoking shelter can be. There is no specific description on what a smoking shelter should look like, but there is a very clear rule any type of shelter needs to comply with. This rule is that a shelter can’t be fully or substantially enclosed. They must have openings to the outside for ventilation. At least 50% of the perimeter under the roof must be open space.
Our range of smoking shelters
At Bison, we offer a wide range of weather-resistant and durable smoking shelters for all types of businesses. Our shelters are built to last and are sturdy and reliable in all sorts of conditions. They offer long-term performance and minimal maintenance and come in a range of sizes to suit different needs.
We offer two-person shelters, perfect for smaller companies as a smoking shelter or storage solution for bikes. Our largest outdoor shelters are suitable for 8 people which is an ideal choice as a smoking shelter for many companies. These shelters provide optimal space for employees and suit larger businesses or businesses that work within a building with other companies.
Bison shelters are compliant with the Smoking Ban Legislation Parliament Act 3368, ensuring that your smoking areas adhere to legal standards. Whether you need a standard shelter or a custom-built solution, our designs offer both functionality and regulatory compliance, enhancing your outdoor spaces efficiently. Contact us for more information and advice on smoking shelters or get in touch to discuss a custom-built solution too.