Smokefree/Auahi Kore - Policy

On 31 May 2010, Otago Polytechnic Limited became Smokefree both indoors and outdoors on all campuses, campus vehicles, and grounds.

The purpose of the Smokefree/Auahi Kore policy is to:

• Provide a healthy and safe environment for learners, staff, contractors, and visitors at Otago Polytechnic Limited.
• Protect the right of everyone to breathe clean air.
• Define where people may and may not smoke.
• Make available support for people who wish to stop smoking.

Smoke Free Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 and all subsequent amendments

Smoke Free Environments Regulations 2017 and subsequent amendments

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and all subsequent amendments

Human Rights Act 1993 and all subsequent amendments

1. Smoking (including electronic cigarettes and vaping) is prohibited in ALL areas of Otago Polytechnic Limited including, but not limited to:

• All campus buildings and balconies.
• All outdoor campus areas, courtyard, carparks, and seating areas adjacent to public footpaths.
• Vehicles owned or used for work purposes by Otago Polytechnic Limited (refer to the Driving and Vehicle Safety policy)
• The Otago Polytechnic Limited Childcare Centre – Polykids.

2. Otago Polytechnic Limited encourages smokers to be considerate of others in open spaces not controlled by the Polytechnic, such as public footpaths.
3. Otago Polytechnic Limited also encourages smokers to consider the effects on the environment when disposing of cigarette butts and to be aware that there is a risk of fire if cigarettes/butts are placed in rubbish bins, potential harm to waterways if cigarettes/ butts are dropped into storm water drains and gutters lead directly to waterways and cigarettes/butts harm these.
4. Otago Polytechnic Limited supports smokers who wish to stop and suggests the following:

• Quitline 0800 778 778, a free service which includes after-hours support (there is a nominal fee for nicotine patches if desired).
• For learners – support is available from Student Health.
• For staff members– stop smoking resource packs, prescriptions for nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges, and individual support from a trained smoking cessation counsellor is available if required - contact the Health and Wellbeing Partner for details.

5. All staff members, learners, contractors, and visitors are expected to support the promotion of the Smokefree policy and comply with all signage.
6. Smoking bans are generally self-monitoring however where someone is smoking on Otago Polytechnic Limited premises, staff members are encouraged to:

• Politely ask the person if they are aware that Otago Polytechnic Limited is smokefree and ask them to relocate off the premises and/or
• Ask the person to stop smoking or move off the premises to smoke; and/or
• Ask for support from their lecturer, Head of College, or Formal Leader.
• Speak to the Health and Wellbeing Partner on 03 474 8468, or email safetyandwellbeing@op.ac.nz or
• Speak with a member of the Health and Safety Team for advice and/or support.

7. Incidences of a breach of the smoking ban should be logged on Vault (the online incident reporting system) and followed up and investigated as appropriate.
8. If an investigation indicates that the Smokefree policy or Smokefree Environments legislation has been contravened, steps will be taken to resolve the investigation, an instant fine of $20 may be imposed by the Te Kaihāpai, and appropriate disciplinary processes may be invoked as per Otago Polytechnic Limited policies, Resolving Performance Issues policy (staff members) or the Learner Discipline policy (learners).

Policies

Driver and Vehicle Safety Policy

Occupational Health and Safety – Commitments and Responsibilities Policy

Occupational Health and Exposure Monitoring Policy

Resolving Performance Issues Policy

Learner Discipline Policy

Otago Polytechnic Limited Student's Rights and Responsibilities

Approved by:
Dr. Megan Gibbons
Chief Executive
28/07/2022

Policy Version V8: Previously Coded: MP0412