Workplaces

A healthy Oklahoma workforce begins by being Tobacco-Free

Oklahomans are dying prematurely because of tobacco use, and the deadly health effects of secondhand smoke (SHS).

The U.S. Surgeon General, in a recent major study, emphasized there is no safe level of secondhand smoke (SHS). It causes acute respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and premature death in people who don’t use tobacco.

The report also concluded that separating room sections, air cleaning systems, and ventilating buildings does not eliminate the risk of SHS.

Tobacco use is also costing Oklahoma businesses billions of dollars in health related expenses and lost productivity.

For more information, visit www.breatheeasyok.com

How much does tobacco use cost Oklahoma employers?

• Smoking costs an estimated $3,734.00 per smoker per year. That cost is comprised of $1,791.00 in direct medical expenditures and $1,943.00 in lost productivity. Factors include:
  • Greater healthcare costs
  • Time spent on smoke breaks
  • Higher life insurance premiums
  • Greater risk of occupational injuries
  • Costlier disability
  • More disciplinary actions

Loss of productivity due to tobacco use

• On average, smokers miss 6 days of work per year due to sickness compared to non-smokers, who miss 3 days of work per year.
• Between 1997 and 2001, the average annual smoking-attributable productivity costs in Oklahoma were $1,462,187,000. This does not include expenses due to cigarette-caused burns or secondhand smoke deaths.

What can a business owner do?

1. Use your company’s health plan to help employees quit tobacco use.
2. Adopt and maintain tobacco-free workplace policies.
3. Support and promote the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS