1. Introduction

This policy has been developed to protect all employees, service users, customers and visitors from
exposure to passive smoke and to ensure compliance with the Health Act 2006.
It is Company policy that all of our workplaces are smoke free and all employees have a right to work in a
smoke free environment.

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2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees within DPDgroup UK Limited without exception including; contractors,
sub-contractors, visitors, ODF’s, customers and all employees within Company owned and DPD Local
depots.

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3. Electronic Cigarettes & Vapourisers

E-cigarettes are battery-powered products designed to replicate smoking behaviour without the use of
tobacco – some look like conventional cigarettes, while others appear more like an electronic device.
The British Medical Association has recommended the existing smoke free legislation in place in the UK
should be extended to include vapour from e-cigarettes until such time that further research is conducted to
determine whether they are harmful.

In line with this recommendation, it is our company policy that e-cigarettes are subject to the same smoking
policy as cigarettes and the use of such devices is restricted to designated smoking areas.

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4. Locations

Smoking is prohibited in all offices, including single occupancy, meeting rooms, toilets, rest rooms,
canteens, warehouses and external areas such as the yard outside the depot.

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5. Designated Areas

Designated smoking areas are clearly marked in all locations. If you are unsure you should check with a
member of the management team.

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6. Vehicles

Current legislation makes it illegal to smoke in all Company Vehicles. Company vehicles include all vans,
7.5 tonne vehicles, tugs, LGV’s and pool cars.

Smoking in Company cars which are designated to a sole user, whilst not encouraged, is permitted under
the legislation.

Smoking in a commercial vehicle remains an act of gross misconduct, which may result in disciplinary
action up to and including summary dismissal.

Anyone found breaking this law will be fined a fixed penalty notice of £50 or a maximum fine of £200 if
prosecuted and convicted in court.

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7. Smoking Breaks (Employees)

Employees wishing to smoke may do so in the designated areas. Smokers may visit these areas at
times previously agreed with their line manager. Time taken for smoking breaks should be deducted from
the formally recognised breaks i.e. lunch breaks or tea breaks.

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8. Visitors

All visitors should be advised of the smoking policy and requested to refrain from smoking except in
designated areas.

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9. Disciplinary Action

Any contravention to this policy is a disciplinary offence and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and
including summary dismissal.

 

10. Help to Stop Smoking

The NHS offers lots of free support to help smokers kick the habit, you can find out more information using
the following details:

    ● www.quitnow.smokefree.nhs.uk
   ● www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit_smoking
   ● Smokefree National Helpline (England) 0300 123 1044
   ● Quit Your Way Scotland (Scotland) 0800 848 484
   ● Help Me Quit Helpline (Wales) 0800 085 2219

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