IDC turns into smoke free zone |31 May 2011

The policy bans smoking and tobacco products as well as those that are put in the mouth in wads on all IDC premises so as to create a smoke-free environment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) figures in 2005, smoking is the second-highest cause of death around the world – killing some 5 million people every year.

Smokers are prone to die from lung and mouth cancers and heart-related diseases as a result of smoking.

WHO also pointed out that the habit is one that would be difficult to kick as nicotine – the chemical found in cigarettes – is as addictive as heroin and cocaine.

To further illustrate the dangers of smoking, the IDC held a talk last week at its headquarters at the New Port, together with representatives from the Ministry of Health.

IDC’s public relations and communications manager Thelma Pool said the talk not only coincides with the World No Tobacco Day today, but further illustrates the company’s smoking policy that has been in place since last year.

Through the measures put in place, a smoking area has also been introduced so that smokers within the company have somewhere to enjoy the odd cigarette.

“We have designated smoking areas at our headquarters and at all the other premises where smokers are free to smoke, although it is a bit different for those working on the other islands,” said Ms Pool.

As those working on the islands also live there, Ms Pool explained that the company is drafting a policy to take into account the different circumstances.

The staff and the company’s management have to come to an agreement on how the smokers can go about having the odd cigarette – where the supervisors are contacted whenever a worker has the urge to smoke.

“We want to take their welfare into account as well as be sure that their productivity is not affected by their cigarette breaks,” she said.

With all these systems being put in place to please both parties, Ms Pool explained that those who do not adhere to the policy and are caught smoking in no smoking areas will face disciplinary action.

“First we will give the offenders a verbal warning, then a second and depending on the severity of the offence a third which may also lead to dismissal. But that will only happen in the worst case scenarios where people repeatedly ignore the company’s rules,” she said.

Some 30 IDC workers turned up for the talk led by Bharathi Viswanathan, programmes manager within the Ministry of Health.
During the session they learned about the different health problems caused by smoking and how Seychelles has advanced with its tobacco control policies.

Before stepping into the room where the talk was held, the workers could view a small exhibition about the dangers of smoking.

Meanwhile, as the IDC screens all its employees before sending them to work on the inner and outer islands, those wishing to quit smoking have the opportunity to ask for help to kick the habit.

“We offer counselling to all those who are battling substance abuse as we have our own clinic and a doctor. However, if the persons need further help, we refer them to the Centre Mont Royale with which we have a good working relationship,” she said.