Health Promotion Agency welcomes Minister’s decision to make Northern Ireland smokefree

The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) welcomed the Health Minister, Shaun Woodward’s announcement today, that all enclosed public places and workplaces in Northern Ireland are to go smokefree.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA said: “This is undoubtedly the most significant public health initiative we have had in Northern Ireland for many years and one which should be celebrated. Bringing in smokefree workplaces is one of the best ways to tackle smoking related illnesses, which claim up to 3,000 lives every year in Northern Ireland, and it will have long-term beneficial effects for all our health.

“In the interim period before the legislation is put into operation we would encourage those employers who don’t have a no-smoking policy in their workplace to start looking at implementing one now and we have produced an information pack to help employers in doing this.”

Employers can access ‘Protecting your workforce from tobacco smoke. A guide for workplaces’, by calling the Smokers’ Helpline on 0800 85 85 85 or contacting HSENI – Tel: 0800 0320121. It is also available to download here.

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For further information contact
Rosie McGaughey at the HPA-Tel: 9031 1514 or mobile: 07802 299945.

Further information, resources and links relating to organisations that supported the campaign for smokefree workplaces can be accessed at: www.smokefreenorthernireland.com