People who smell like smoke in the workplace

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timmmay

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#208207 1-Feb-2017 08:40

We have someone at work who smokes. They smoke outside multiple times per day, whenever they come inside they reek of it, bringing smoke into the office. You're not allowed to smoke inside, but is there any regulation or guideline which addresses this situation?

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#1713673 1-Feb-2017 08:43

Buy them a can of air freshener? I don't believe there is a "law" against smelling bad at work, although for the sake of others it may be something their manager may wish to talk to them about. Perhaps encourage them to quit smoking?

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timmmay

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#1713674 1-Feb-2017 08:46

The person is relatively old and relatively senior. I guess it's something to mention to HR if it keeps bugging me.

trig42

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#1713675 1-Feb-2017 08:47

Pretty sure you can't get cancer from their smell.

It's just unpleasant.

Technofreak

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#1713676 1-Feb-2017 08:48

I'm a non smoker and I've worked with people who smoked outside the office, I can't say I ever noticed the smell and my office in these instances was rather confined.

I'd say your problem fits in the same category as BO. I'm not aware of any laws/rules/regulations around that.

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MikeB4

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#1713680 1-Feb-2017 08:53

Do you use assigned work stations? if not change where you are sitting, if assigned a work station asked to be reassigned.

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PaulBags

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#1713683 1-Feb-2017 09:00

Infinitely better than purfume.

Could be something like smoke blowing back on them and/or the fabrics they wear holding the smell particularly well. Not sure what fabrics might be better. Could suggest smoking so that the smoke blows away from them, maybe even a ciggarette holder - preventing stains & smell on hands.

I smoke and honestly, part of the reason is so I can't smell other people as well. I know that I might be receptive to others problems, but I wouldn't quit on their behalf.

Brand could also be an issue, different brands smell/taste different and there may be one that smells less/better - I wouldn't hold my breath that they'd change for you though.

Technofreak

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#1713684 1-Feb-2017 09:03

timmmay:
The person is relatively old and relatively senior. I guess it's something to mention to HR if it keeps bugging me.

I don't see this as an HR issue.

If it bugs you enough talk to the person concerned in a diplomatic way or talk to your boss. This person most likely doesn't realise there's a problem. Is it just you or are others also noticing the smell. You may find yourself in the minority and just have to suck it up.

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#1713686 1-Feb-2017 09:05

HR is the best way of making it non-confrontational.

On another note, why would anyone get on a 8am bus to town, from home smelling like onion and curry. And seriously pungent smell, not a "I can detect it" but a "Far out, this person sat three seats away and I can smell it like it is a curry place at 9pm" kind of odour.

Back on topic, HR.

SepticSceptic

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#1713695 1-Feb-2017 09:15

The correct response would be to ask him if he's still smoking that camel poop, whilst chowing down on a clove of garlic.

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gzt

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#1713701 1-Feb-2017 09:20

Agree with a comment to an HR related person. With the price of cigarettes now it's increasingly common to see people smoking half a one then putting it back in the pack. Do that once a day and a person or area will be affected no question at all.

Technofreak

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#1713702 1-Feb-2017 09:22

Going through HR might be seen as less confrontational but is the wrong way to do this in my opinion.

There's no need for confrontation when dealing directly with the person involved. You just need to explain the problem and try to work together to find a solution that works for both of you. Don't be judgemental about their smoking habit.

Going to HR is the cowards option. It potentially creates more issues as the person involved knows a work colleague has complained, they don't know which one, this places everyone under suspicion potentially undermines harmony in the work place.

I wouldn't trust HR to resolve the issue, in my experience most HR people don't know how to do their job.

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#1713704 1-Feb-2017 09:27

Not really. HR are usually trained and or the relevant person.have experience in handling these situations in a sensitive way for the benefit of all concerned without any conflagrations arising. The average person, milage may vary, and often does on both sides of any issue that arises.

PaulBags

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#1713705 1-Feb-2017 09:32

gzt: With the price of cigarettes now it's increasingly common to see people smoking half a one then putting it back in the pack. Do that once a day and a person or area will be affected no question at all.

Good point, I avoid carrying half smokes. They also taste terrible relit. Anyone doing ths should be buying rollies.

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#1713716 1-Feb-2017 09:41

My wife works for a large organisation with a large HR department. At one time she was running a small department with about 50 staff, had multiple independant formal complaints from the general public about smoke smell and other "personal hygiene" issues with a staff member. The HR department in all their glory were a complete and utter waste of time - they're still just people and while may have been some use in clarifying legal issues WRT the offending person's situation, you would have had to have held a gun to the head of any HR staff member to get them to actually "do something" directly. The bloody cowards.

As manager, she had to deal with it herself. Was pillow talk for a couple of days, how - with potential for union action or PG if not handled correctly - to tell someone they stink. Very delicate.

One thing which might be appropriate if it's only smoke smell, mention it directly but offer to pay for a smoking cessation program or treatment, vaping thing etc.

timmmay

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#1713719 1-Feb-2017 09:47

Picture this person has being somewhat like these guys.

I'll probably just let it go unless it gets worse.

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