Smoke-free Workplace Policy Statement

SMOKE-FREE POLICY STATEMENT

Date: 01/21/2011
Supersedes:HR.505,02/26/1993

I.  Purpose

            A.  To reaffirm New York Medical College's special responsibility as a health sciences university to protect faculty, employees, students and the general public from the harmful effects of smoking.

            B.  To promote the health and safety of all.

            C.  To ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations established by various local, City, State and Federal laws and regulations.

II. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals on the College's owned or leased premises on the Valhalla Campus including the public areas, lounges, entrances, exit or egress areas, walkways and loading docks and including the inside and outside areas at Grasslands housing and dormitories.  This policy also applies to individuals in outdoor enclosed work areas where there is an overhead structure, such as a roof, overhang or canopy that may partially contain smoke that are frequented by employees, students or patients during their daily course of activity.  Finally, this policy applies to all outdoor events sponsored by the College and in all vehicles owned and operated by the College.
 
III. Policy

            A.  It is the policy of New York Medical College to:

                        1.  Establish a smoke-free environment at all of its owned and leased premises, including the inside and outside areas at Grasslands housing and dormitories, the outdoor enclosed work areas as provided herein, outdoor events sponsored by the College and in all vehicles owned and operated by the College.

                        2.  Provide information to Faculty, employees and students on the potential health hazards of smoking and of the availability of smoke-free programs.

IV. Procedure

Violations of this policy are to be referred to the appropriate department head and, in the case of student, to the office responsible for student affairs for the school involved. If a resolution cannot be reached by the department/division head, the matter should be referred to either the Human Resources Department or, in the case of students, to the office responsible for student affairs for the school involved. Established rules and regulations regarding policy violations will be implemented according to one’s College status (i.e., faculty, employee or student).

V. Responsibility

            A.  College Community

All members of the College community have the responsibility to observe this smoke-free policy and to remind others of their responsibility including visitors.  . 

            B.  Department Heads, Supervisors and Managers

Monitor and enforce this policy to ensure that employees are compliant and administer disciplinary action if not compliant.

            C. Office Responsible for Student Affairs for Each School

Monitor and enforce this policy to ensure that students are compliant and administer disciplinary action if not compliant.

            D. Human Resources Department

Provide advice and guidance with respect to the interpretation and administration of this policy.

Page Updated: February 4, 2011