Smoke-Free Workplace Program

As a result of the passage of Issue 5 on the Nov. 7, 2006, ballot, Ohio became the 12^th state to protect all workers and the public from exposure to secondhand smoke in workplaces and public places. The law took effect Dec. 7 and full implementation of the enforcement rule will occur before June 7, 2007.

This site will provide you with information regarding the statue, the rule-making process and the draft rules as they move toward implementation. Additionally, you will find information on how you can report a violation of the statute; what organizations the director of health has designated to enforce the statute; sample signs that meet the requirements of the statute; a summary of violations and findings; and areas exempt from the statute.

Businesses can find information on the benefits of a smoke-free workplace and model policies that they can implement so their employees know what the rules are related to smoking at work. There is information on the dangers of secondhand smoke from the 2006 report of the U.S. Surgeon General, and information is available to assist Ohioans who smoke through the quitting process and give businesses reasons to assist their employees quit smoking.

This new law will protect the health of all Ohioans by prohibiting smoking in workplaces and public places with a very few exemptions. Please refer to the statute and the rules for specific information on those exemptions. To adhere to the statute, affected businesses and public places must do three things:

• Prohibit smoking in any “public place” or “place of employment”
• Post no-smoking signs with the toll-free enforcement number, 1-866-559-OHIO (6446)at all entrances and conspicuously throughout the building.
• Remove ashtrays and other tobacco receptacles

Mailing address:
Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Environmental Health
Smoke-Free Workplace Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone: (614) 466-1390
Fax: (614) 466-4556

E-mail: nosmoke@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated: 3/17/07