Second-hand smoke protection award

AN AWARD for protecting staff from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke has gone to Warrington Borough Council.
It is the first organisation in the county to be awarded the Cheshire Charter – an accreditation scheme developed by heart disease charity Heart of Mersey to protect staff who work in the community from exposure to second-hand smoke.
The award goes to organisations that can demonstrate their commitment to best practice standards in order protect staff. The charter was recently launched at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall.
Peter Astley, Warrington’s head of public protection, said the smokefree legislation which came into force on July 1 2007 banned smoking in the workplace but did not apply to private premises.
He said: “Further measures are now needed to protect our community staff as a lot of their work takes place within the homes of their clients.
“This could result in the possibility of these staff working in an environment that will expose them to second-hand smoke. We will be asking that clients provide a room which has been smoke free for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to a planned visit by community staff.”
Warrington’s first Tobacco Control Strategy has also been launched. It aims to tackle smoking using a partnership approach. Groups such as health care professionals, trading standards, environmental health, police, transport and schools are involved.
Coun Roy Smith, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “The tobacco control strategy for Warrington combines effective enforcement with education and stop smoking support.
“It will focus on key areas such as working with young people, stop smoking services, implementing smokefree legislation and controlling illicit tobacco.”
Robin Ireland, chief executive Heart of Mersey, said: “Attaining Cheshire Charter status demonstrates a commitment to cultural change within an organisation and the influence it can have on the health of the community in which it works.”
Anyone who wants advice on giving up smoking can contact the local Stop Smoking Service for free help and support on 01925 843713.
Picture shows Peter Astley and Robin Ireland with the charter.