BUSINESSES PUT THEMSELVES AT RISK BY FAILURE TO BAN SMOKING

1.16.41pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Jan 2005

It is in businesses' own interests to introduce smoking bans in the workplace - as well as being in the interests of public health.

This was the message David Rendel MP delivered in a House of Commons debate yesterday on health and safety in the workplace.

Commenting, Mr Rendel said:

"British businesses and insurers have already had to pay large sums because of the problems suffered by those who have worked with asbestos. Given that the health dangers are well known, they could face a similar if not greater bill in future years if they fail to tackle smoking in the workplace.

"I hope that the Government will introduce a ban on smoking in public places as soon as possible. But it is in the interests of businesses to introduce their own bans, both to improve health and safety at work and to reduce the financial risk they face. Managers who ignore a known risk could even end up facing prosecution in the future."

ENDS