Company Director Reprimanded for Smoking at Workplace
South Ribble Borough Council in action against Martin Lenehan, a company director, found him guilty of breaching the law repeatedly by indulging in smoking at his workplace. The council prosecuted the director when its enforcement team dropped in at Metric Scaffolding UK Ltd, in January. This was despite the fact that the company was issued a warning on the same issue in the recent past too.
The council sent its enforcement team after an anonymous complaint, which revealed that employees indulged in habitual smoking in the workplace. After gathering proof, the council reminded the firm of its responsibility of providing a smoke free zone or face punitive action.
It was during their second visit to the company that the team found Mr Lenehan smoking at his desk for which he was penalised £50. Mr Lenehan rebuffed the penal notice and was therefore issued with summons and was found guilty in his absence by Leyland Magistrates Court for violating Section 7 of the Health Act 2006. He was fined with £175 along with an additional £75 towards costs and £15 as victim surcharge.
During the judgement, Councillor Peter Mullineaux, stated that the purpose of the anti smoking law was basically to safeguard employees against the detrimental effects of smoking and it was critical to enforcing the same.
Mr Mullineaux also said that their efforts since the last couple of years to educate employers about the latest rulings have paid off and a large number of them have complied with the legislation. The Certificate in Personnel Practice is for those who are involved in HR/personnel activities - click on CPP Training - the course provides a firm foundation in all the areas of personnel and will help you to gain a broad grasp of employment law so you can set your own organisation
