The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Smoking is still socially acceptable behavior in the Czech Republic. Legislation framework ensures smoke-free working environment for any non-smokers, but implementation is very week: about 60% of population are/were involuntary exposed to passive smoking. Smoke-free working places (with other smoke-free public places) was identified as second most important factor for decision for quitting smoking (study in 28 European countries, published 2004).

Methods: Smoke-free Company is a comprehensive programme, which was prepared by team of specialists (smoking cessation and tobacco control, communication, sociology and psychology). It is based on a detailed scheme of single steps, which are needed for implementation of functioning smoke-free policy at company/institution. (can be adjusted to any size/type of work-place). We also summarized economical reasons to gain companies' management support.

It has several stages: First one is detailed analysis of situation in a concrete company; information and than motivation campaign follow together with support of employees who decide to quit (NRT for reduced price, smoking cessation clinic straight in the company). Feedback from employees is a crucial point - it is ensured e.g. by medical students, who undergo special training and than come to company regularly. Program counts also with involving non-smokers– they are addressed by information about character of tobacco addiction and asked for support to quitters.

Results: Four big companies (cca 8.000 employees) are involved. The 12months evaluation was made in one of them – the prevalence of smoking decreased by 5% among employees and also those, who didn't stop reduced number of cigarettes smoked.