Singapore Employers Urged to Address Vaping in the Workplace

In Singapore, the rising trend of vaping among employees has prompted calls for clearer workplace policies. Reports indicate that some workers are taking advantage of unmonitored moments to vape in offices, creating discomfort for colleagues. Ms Su, a media professional who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted that in her team of about 20, five or six individuals vape, raising concerns about secondhand exposure to harmful substances.

According to a report by Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, vapor from e-cigarettes can contain nicotine, metal particles, and other harmful chemicals, presenting health risks similar to those associated with secondhand cigarette smoke. Ms Su expressed her unease about the potential health implications, stating, “I do feel like they tend to be conscious of doing it in front of other people who don’t vape, but then they still do it.”

Government Response and Employer Responsibilities

The issue of vaping has gained attention at the highest levels of government. During the National Day Rally on August 17, 2023, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced plans to treat vaping as a major public health issue, indicating that penalties for sellers of harmful vape products may become more severe. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed that vaping is prohibited under the Tobacco Act due to the risks it poses.

In light of these regulations, MOM has encouraged companies to establish their own human resources policies, which may include disciplinary actions against employees who violate the vaping ban. Some organizations, like the international education group EtonHouse, already have strict policies in place, clearly stating that violations could result in termination of employment.

“Vaping is illegal in Singapore, and EtonHouse takes compliance with local laws seriously,” a spokesperson for the organization said. The company also offers a whistleblowing policy for employees to report breaches, although no complaints about vaping have been received thus far.

Calls for Clearer Guidelines

The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) has noted an increasing number of member companies seeking guidance on vaping policies. They emphasize the importance of updating employee handbooks to provide clear and unambiguous guidelines regarding vaping. “We encourage businesses to review and, where necessary, update their employee handbooks to clearly articulate company policy on such matters,” said an ASME representative.

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) has also received inquiries from companies facing challenges with employees who continue to vape even after counseling. They recommend that organizations implement comprehensive policies and leverage national initiatives to raise awareness about the legal and health risks associated with vaping.

“These measures help protect employees from exposure to harmful substances, safeguard employees’ health, and align with ongoing national efforts against vaping,” SNEF stated. In cases where vaping persists despite educational efforts, companies may impose disciplinary measures, including termination.

According to the Singapore Human Resources Institute, some firms have extended their no-smoking policies to encompass vaping, thereby eliminating ambiguity. CEO Alvin Aloysius Goh remarked on the necessity of a clear stance against vaping to ensure fair enforcement of policies without excessive punitive measures.

Red Crowns Senior Living, an assisted living firm, has maintained a strict no-smoking and no-vaping policy since its establishment in 2021, indicating a proactive approach to workplace health. Similarly, preschool operator Busy Bees prohibits the possession and use of vaping products as part of its alcohol, drugs, and smoking policy.

Challenges in Enforcement

Instances of vaping in the workplace persist, even among management. An anonymous former employee reported that her boss vaped during work calls, illustrating the difficulty of enforcing policies when senior staff disregard them. “If the top guy is already doing it, then everyone else who vapes would also just do it without any fear of consequence,” she noted.

Legal counsel from Jennifer Chih at PK Wong & Nair stated that employees can report vaping violations to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), which maintains confidentiality for whistleblowers. Recently, the HSA extended its hotline hours and launched a platform for reporting vaping offences at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape.

Despite these measures, employees may still hesitate to report their colleagues for fear of retaliation. One worker expressed concern about the lack of proper channels for addressing vaping, stating, “I still don’t know what I’m inhaling and I don’t want to be forced to inhale it.”

As Singapore grapples with the challenges of vaping in workplaces, the emphasis on clear policies and compliance with laws remains crucial for ensuring employee health and safety. The ongoing dialogue among employers, government officials, and health organizations underscores the necessity for effective measures to address this growing concern.