(1) The purpose of this policy is to provide and maintain a healthy work and study environment at Western Sydney University and the University's controlled entities for employees, students and visitors by communicating that all University premises, activities and events are established as Smoke-Free environments. (2) The following definitions apply for the purpose of this policy: (3) This Policy applies to all University and the University's controlled entities employees, students, contractors, visitors, tenants, and vendors whilst on University property, in University vehicles and participating in University approved events and activities. The University also has an obligation to comply with the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 (NSW), the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. (4) The University is obliged to protect people from the health, social, environmental and economic effects of tobacco under Australia’s ratification of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. (5) The University has a responsibility to minimise adverse environmental effects as committed to in its Environmental Sustainability Policy to reduce pollution and waste. (6) Smoking is prohibited on University premises and within four metres of a pedestrian access point, including entrances to a University building or University premises. (7) The University is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of its employees whilst at work and its students and visitors while on campus. The University has adopted the following principles: (8) Sale of all tobacco or non-tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems, e-cigarettes, vaporisers is prohibited on University premises. (9) Managers and supervisors, staff and students under their responsibility, must: (10) All persons on University premises: (11) Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing Unit will: (12) Division of Operations and Commercial will: (13) External inspectors; (14) Staff, students, contractors and visitors are required to comply with relevant laws and University policies and procedures. Any breaches of the law or this Policy will be managed in accordance with established procedures including but not limited to the Code of Conduct. (15) All persons are encouraged to educate and raise awareness of the requirements of this Policy. (16) Individuals who smoke on University campuses or other premises will be asked politely to stop smoking and advised of the requirement to comply with this policy. (17) Where a person has been asked to discontinue smoking on University property this request is to be actioned immediately by the smoker in a polite and respectful manner. (18) Under the Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 (NSW), fines can be issued by external inspectors for breaches of the Act. The amount of the fine is as applicable under the act at the time of the offence and will be in excess of $550 per breach. (19) Instances of non-adherence to this Policy are to be reported via the University's Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing Unit via Accident/Injury/Incident/Hazard Notification Form on WesternNow. (20) Visitors to the University (including volunteers) who continue to breach this policy may be asked to leave the University. Contractors who continue to breach this policy will also be asked to leave the University and may have their services terminated for breach of contract. (21) Staff and students who continue to breach this policy may be subject to disciplinary action under relevant University rules, policies and codes. (22) The University recognises that some staff and students may require assistance to quit smoking. Employees may wish to access the University's Employee Assistance Program which offers a range of tools and counselling services. (23) Students can contact the University's Student Welfare Service for advice and assistance. (24) Further assistance to help employees and students who wish to stop smoking, is available through Quitline by calling 137 848 or by visiting iCanQuit. (25) In addition, to encourage and support those staff wanting to quit smoking, the University will allow staff to access up to eight hours’ special leave for the purpose of attending a recognised “quit smoking” program. This leave is subject to the same approval process as any other special leave. Staff are responsible for paying fees and other costs associated with their participation in a “quit smoking” program. (26) It is important that all persons on University premises are aware of this policy. This will be facilitated as much as possible via the following means: (27) Relevant Legislation:Smoke-Free Environment Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of PageSection 3 - Policy Statement
Section 4 - Procedures
Part A - Responsibilities
Part B - Managing Compliance
Part C - Assistance for Smokers
Part D - Policy Dissemination
Top of PageSection 5 - Guidelines
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