Now, more than ever Hoosier workers will need employer support to quit. It is a fact; employees that do not use tobacco are healthier, which adds to the company’s bottom line.

The Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (TPC) Commission offers employers proven, evidence based resources to assist their workers in quitting.

For more information about additional resources and access to 1-800-QUIT-NOW (the free tobacco quitline) click here. If your company is not enrolled as a Quit Now Preferred Employer, do so today and become connected to hundreds of Indiana employers who are committed to creating a healthier, tobacco-free workforce.

The Statewide Smoking Ordinance Affects Most Employers

On July 1, 2012, Indiana's new smoke-free air law went into effect. This new law affects all businesses except bars, taverns, casinos, tobacco shops and membership clubs, which are all exempt from the ordinance. All other Indiana businesses must now be smoke-free, and below are the highlights that affect businesses.

What the law says:

• Prohibit smoking in a “place of employment.” (A “place of employment” is an enclosed area but does not include a private vehicle.)

• Prohibit smoking within 8 feet of a public entrance to a “place of employment”

• Inform all employees and prospective employees of the smoking prohibition

• Remove ash trays and smoking paraphernalia from areas where smoking is prohibited

• Post conspicuous signs at each public entrance that read “State Law Prohibits Smoking Within 8 Feet of this Entrance”

• Ask a person smoking in a “public place” to refrain from smoking. (A “public place” is an enclosed area where the public is invited or permitted.)

• Remove the person from the “public place” who fails to refrain from smoking

• Employers may not discharge, refuse to hire or in any manner retaliate against any individual who reports a violation or exercises a right or obligation under the new law

What employers need to know about local smoke-free policies:

Indiana cities and counties can pass local smoke-free air laws stricter than the statewide law. Bars, casinos, private clubs and tobacco stores are examples of businesses that may be covered in local policies, rather than the state law.

For a complete list of Indiana cities/counties with strong policies, click here.