Workplace Smoking Ban - Effective May 2009

A province-wide workplace smoking ban will take effect May 31, 2009 as a result of changes to Section 77 of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996.

Under the existing smoking regulations, workplace smoking is allowed in certain designated smoking areas only. When the workplace smoking ban takes effect in May, smoking will be prohibited in all enclosed places of employment, including buildings, vehicles, other enclosed structures and underground mines with the following exceptions:

• Traditional First Nations and Métis spiritual or cultural ceremonies where permission is granted
• Designated smoking rooms for residents and visitors that are allowed by the Ministry of Health's Tobacco Control legislation
• Areas of underground mines that are located more than 10 metres from other workers
• Some self-employed businesses, vehicles and camp living accommodations with permission and when others are not present

Read the news release.

For more information on this change or on work-related health and safety generally, contact Occupational Health and Safety.