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Smoke Breaks, Health, Smokers' Rights and Festering Resentment

Give me a break

Front Line Manager
FAA
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:37 AM

Post Reply

The air we breathe is toxic from the fireplaces, vehicles, etc. The smokers are going to make a diference in the big scheme of things. I agree with the obesity issue because they think they get longer coming back from breaks because they walk slower....Give me a break!

HR Specialist (reply #1)

IT Type
Defense Agency
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:37 AM

Post Reply

Quote, "And let me warn you nonsmokers who complain about these breaks---as an ex-smoker, if I didn't get a cigarette when I needed one, everyone around me paid for it. So, be careful what you wish for!"

That comment spoke volumes to me about the "me first" attitude of our society as a whole and smokers in particular. It's not enough non-smokers have to dodge a gauntlet of smokers on the way into buildings, nor is it enough smokers show disdain for what is and isn't an approved smoking are. Now we'll have an attitude of, "since I can't have my smoke break, I'll make everyone around me miserable."

How sad!

Re: HR Specialist (reply #1)

Clerk
DOI
Tue Dec 30, 2008 3:36 PM
There's a cure for "nicotine fits" - it's called suspension.

Smoking Ban

Supervisor
DOD
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:41 AM

Post Reply

The comments about banning obese people if you ban smoking, is a bit ridiculous. What, do you want people to get yearly physicals to show that their smoking, weight, etc is not contributing to health problems? I will have some smokers who are in good health and some obese people who have overall better health than a thinner person.
I am considered overweight; but my BP is 125/69, sugar, cholesterol, and all other bloodwork is great. I exercise, do yoga, eat fish 2-3 times a week, chicken(very rarely), no red meat, and go on a week cruise every year to unwind from the hectic work schedule I have. It's not just one specific thing that causes the health problems, it's the unhealthly lifestyles people have.

Let smokers be aware of where they smoke in public places,respect non-smokers who can be highly allergic to tobacco products. Let the non-smokers hold their breath and comments as they walk by a cloud of smoke (if they have to do so to get where they are going).

Re: Smoking Ban

Analyst
DOD
Mon Dec 29, 2008 7:40 AM
Supervisor DOD and I bet you never take breaks either.

Re: Smoking Ban

Editor
DoD
Mon Dec 29, 2008 3:30 PM
Well said, DoD Supervisor - I get sick and tired of smokers being compared to those of us who are overweight - no one seems to take into consideration family history or slow metabolisms - we're all just worthless slobs to some people. At least I know that the result of my less than perfect diet won't potentially kill those around me!

SMOKERS

HOUSEKEEPER
VA
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:43 AM

Post Reply

I'm a smoker, and I'll admit it's addictive. But come on we're already outside. I'll bet most people offended drink coffee. Try quitting coffee for one day let alone quit!!

Re: SMOKERS

VA
Admin Support Assistant
Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:36 AM
It's not about quitting - it's about respecting others. There is no designated smoking area at the VA where I work and cigarette butts are all over the campus - to include the outside eating area. I can't go anywhere to get AWAY from the smoke. A really horrible site for a health care facility. Smoke, smoke, smoke yourself to death, but not at other's expense.

Smoking Ban

Analyst
VA
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:45 AM

Post Reply

Looks like most comments were one sided. Smokers do have rights too. They should also get extra paid sick days for going outside in all weather "unprotected" to smoke. I don't even smoke in my own home because I have animals but I am still a smoker who has rights too.

Re: Smoking Ban

VA
Admin Support Assistant
Wed Dec 24, 2008 11:41 AM
Extra paid sick leave to support a stinky habit you CHOSE on your own? Pleeeeze, take responsibility for your own actions instead of wanting a hand out from the Government.

Re: Smoking Ban

IT Specialist
HHS
Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:40 AM
Smoking should be banned. There is NO right to smoke! It is NOT a protected right.

Re: Smoking Ban

Accounting Tech
NFC
Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:00 AM
It is commendable to hear you don't force your smoking on your pets but to not do so I bet you also step outside your front door "in all kinds of weather" to indulge your habit. Why should you have anything extra at work for indulging in your habit of choice? That means your non-smoking coworkers have the same right as do your pets! I also agree..."smokers have rights, too"...and they should have an enclosed area far from the rest of us where they can indulge their habits by containing their tobacco smoke and their tobacco butts, etc. However, they should indulge their habit OFF THE CLOCK instead of getting PAID time off to induge in a habit of choice.

Smoke Breaks, Health, Smokers' Rights and Festerin

Project Manager
HUD
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:46 AM

Post Reply

There is a bible verse which goes something like quick to find the the splinter in the neighbor's eye while ignoring the tree in one's own eye. The folks who are accusing smokers of taking extra breaks, should ge to work early enough to see the non-smokers who come in at 6:30 the go to breakfast from 6:45 - 7:30 or 7:45, then consistently take 60 - 90 minutes for lunch EVERY day! When the "supervisor" does nothing about it! We are authorized two fifteen minute breaks - one morning and afternoon. Mine are typically less than 10.

I am aware that not all folks smoke, and quite frankly there are times when I do not like the smell myself. So I am quick to excuse myself away from you who do not partake.

Take care of yourself and your house and I will take care of me and mine.,

Smoke Breaks

Program Analyst
Department of Homeland Security
Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:48 AM

Post Reply

If smokers use their 2-15 minute breaks (in addition to lunch) to go smoke, that's their prerogative. However, they shouldn't be afforded any extra breaks just because they are smokers. Every employee should have the exact same number of breaks - smokers and non-smokers. All the other comments about walking through the smoke outside are just petty gripes.

Re: Smoke Breaks

peon
DOD
Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:40 AM
"All the other comments about walking through the smoke outside are just petty gripes." Or maybe just that we'd like to be able to breath. Smoke can be deadly for asthmatics. Are we supposed to work at home (doing what? stuffing envelopes for minimum wage?) to avoid all smoke? Why can't management enforce the installation RULE that there is to be no smoking within a certain distance of the door? Especially when mgmt are not smokers themselves - they are cowed by smokers.
Total Comments: 126
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