Rhode Island Smoke-free Workplace Law

Rule and Regulations Pertaining to Smoke-Free Public Places and Workplaces (PDF, 245 KB)

Helping Smokers in Your Workplace

The business case for addressing tobacco use in our workforce is a compelling one. Smoking is one of the nation's costliest health problems in human, social and economic terms. Given the significant investment that employers make in health insurance for their workers, it makes sense to consider investing in protecting the health of the workforce.

Tobacco use is estimated to cost employers more than $3,000 per year per smoker, due chiefly to absenteeism, lost productivity and increased costs for insurance. Adult tobacco cessation services rate the highest among 30 recommended clinical preventive services, based on health impact and value (cost-effectiveness).

What Employers and Labor Organizations Can Do

Here are some steps to consider:

• Effective cessation methods are available. Assess the return on investment of purchasing cessation services for your workforce.
• Partner with the Rhode Island Department of Health to implement QuitWorks-RI in worksites that have an on-site clinician (e.g. wellness manager, EAP, or nurse).
• Distribute information to your employers about the state's free quitline for smokers at 1-800-TRY-TO-STOP (1-800-879-8678).
• Create an environment that is conducive to quitting and that supports smokers' quit attempts.