The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective:

Create a resource to assist employers implement a smoke-free policy, eliminate second-hand smoke exposure within their workplace and receive a credible award. Additionally to support those working to promote the smoke-free agenda, meet health targets, increase smoke-free provision and to provide an up to date national smoke-free places directory for public access.

Methods:

A consultation event, with key personnel from the health, professional, business and voluntary sectors, established aims and criteria for the National Clean Air Award. Discussion led to endorsement by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Asthma UK, British Lung Foundation and the Ulster Cancer Foundation, giving significant credibility to the project.

A mechanism was established whereby Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), Local Authorities / Councils (LA/Cs) or other interested parties could promote the award and provide support to employers locally within agreed standards. A website www.cleanairaward.org.uk was created providing the resources to enable employers to implement effective smoke-free policies, link them with a national network of advisors, apply to receive the award and appear in the online Smoke-Free Places Directory.

Prospective award holders supply a copy of their policy and monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure the criteria, which eliminate second-hand smoke from the workplace, are maintained.

Results: To date national coverage by the award has been achieved with 106 PCTs and LA/Cs promoting the ward, including three Regions and Northern Ireland.

More than 1,500 employers hold the Award, increasing at a rate of 50 per day. The website receives 8,000 visits per month.