Banished to the smokers' section

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Yojimbo82

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Aug 20, 2013
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Rochester, NY
As I sit outside writing this post on my lunch break, enjoying my delicious blackberry vape, I can't help but wonder why my employer has banned ecigs from their four office buildings, requiring vapers to go outside to the smokers' area.
As part of my position, I travel in between each building. I've gotten to know the smokers that inhabit said area pretty well and have discovered that most of them spend at least ten minutes every hour away from their desks getting their nic fix. More than a few of them have switched to vaping and are all upset that they have to go outside, away from their desks and work, to engage in their newfound habit (I count myself among them).
I think it's incredibly shortsighted of our employer to confine vapers to the smoking area. They missed an incredible opportunity to increase productivity just because vaping "looks like smoking."
I realize employers are well within their rights to set rules and that employees, should they continue to be employed there, should follow them. It just seems rather discriminatory to lump us all in together, smokers and vapers alike.
Is this commonplace in an office setting? Any experiences to the contrary?
 

Chas F.

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I work in a med device company and we have to watch environmental conditions closely. We do not have a vaping policy yet and when I asked HR about it she said it would be best to do it outside for now...but indicated she's aware of at least one stealth user in the company. Of course this is in the office sections well away from the controlled manufacturing areas. I hope they look at creating a policy based on truth instead of perceptions.
 

ClippinWings

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As I sit outside writing this post on my lunch break, enjoying my delicious blackberry vape, I can't help but wonder why my employer has banned ecigs from their four office buildings, requiring vapers to go outside to the smokers' area.
As part of my position, I travel in between each building. I've gotten to know the smokers that inhabit said area pretty well and have discovered that most of them spend at least ten minutes every hour away from their desks getting their nic fix. More than a few of them have switched to vaping and are all upset that they have to go outside, away from their desks and work, to engage in their newfound habit (I count myself among them).
I think it's incredibly shortsighted of our employer to confine vapers to the smoking area. They missed an incredible opportunity to increase productivity just because vaping "looks like smoking."
I realize employers are well within their rights to set rules and that employees, should they continue to be employed there, should follow them. It just seems rather discriminatory to lump us all in together, smokers and vapers alike.
Is this commonplace in an office setting? Any experiences to the contrary?

I vape at my desk... while the President of the Company goes outside to smoke.

Maybe they just realize that as much as I vape, if I had to go outside... It would seriously impact my productivity.

these 4ml/day don't vape themselves.
 

Snicks

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As much as i would be bummed if or I should say when my employer does the same thing; I completely understand and would be in agreeement. I vape at my desk because so far I've gotten away with it but all it takes is one or two complaints and I'm sure I'll be outside too. The thing is though that it does look bad. People cruising around the building spotting a cloud of vapor think its smoke at first. Even once you explain it to them if they ask, some are like cool! and others are not liking it at all.

The thing is it may not be harmful to them but given a choice some would prefer to not be around it. I'm pretty understanding which makes me cool with it even though I might not like it.
 

Muskydawg

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Jun 17, 2013
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My employer requires you to be in a designated smoking area, and classifies vaping as a tobacco product. They are going tobacco free at the end of the year. :( Currently I have to sit in a vehicle with a min. of 3 other smokers to get my vape on. We used to be able to smoke outside but they figure it is healthier if we smoke inside a small confined space now. Corporate logic!
 

RosaJ

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My employer requires you to be in a designated smoking area, and classifies vaping as a tobacco product. They are going tobacco free at the end of the year. :( Currently I have to sit in a vehicle with a min. of 3 other smokers to get my vape on. We used to be able to smoke outside but they figure it is healthier if we smoke inside a small confined space now. Corporate logic!

It sounds like they're trying to accelerate the physical/illnesses and consequences of smoking by forcing smokers to breath in the chemicals from cigarette smoke. Are they going to throw a hand grenade on the vehicle if the "smokers" don't die off soon enough? I'm exaggerating with that last sentence, but...
 

ut1205

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All it takes is one non smoker/vaper to complain and the employer is so afraid of lawsuits (rightfully so) and they just ban it. Some employers have even banned perfume because some (probably one) employee complained. My last employer (very large company) had designated smoking areas. They sold out to another company and the new employer not only banned smoking but threatened termination if tobacco was seen in your car in the parking lot. I was a contractor and thank goodness the contract was completed and I moved on.
 

keithwhat

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Sep 5, 2013
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All it takes is one non smoker/vaper to complain and the employer is so afraid of lawsuits (rightfully so) and they just ban it. Some employers have even banned perfume because some (probably one) employee complained. My last employer (very large company) had designated smoking areas. They sold out to another company and the new employer not only banned smoking but threatened termination if tobacco was seen in your car in the parking lot. I was a contractor and thank goodness the contract was completed and I moved on.

This cant be legal ... right?
 

retic1959

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    All it takes is one non smoker/vaper to complain and the employer is so afraid of lawsuits (rightfully so) and they just ban it. Some employers have even banned perfume because some (probably one) employee complained. My last employer (very large company) had designated smoking areas. They sold out to another company and the new employer not only banned smoking but threatened termination if tobacco was seen in your car in the parking lot. I was a contractor and thank goodness the contract was completed and I moved on.
    Which company , they need to boycotted if not sued ?
     

    Yojimbo82

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    Aug 20, 2013
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    Rochester, NY
    I guess I should consider myself lucky to be able to vape at all... that's some rough business right there!
    I understand that people may not want to be around it and that's fine. Now that I no longer smoke, I'd just like to stay away from analogs all together. I also think it just promotes the image that vaping is the same as smoking.
    Guess hanging with the smokers just gives me an opportunity to convert more people!
     

    Stef.

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    Sep 6, 2013
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    The other day I was at the airport in Munich and asked whether I could vape there. They told me to use the toilet as they had banned vaping as it let "real" smokers to lit their cigarettes. He said from the distance it was difficult to tell whether somebody was vaping or smoking and they were sick and tired of having to tell the smokers to extinguish their cigarettes. Also, in regards to your office, I assume as long as the side effects for non vapers are not crystal clear they can not allow it.

    Not sure you guys have read this article:
    E-cigarettes are as harmful as cigarettes and could cause cancer, claims study | Mail Online

    Guess as long as the health implications are not clear I at least can understand that they do not allow it.

    By the way...just joined. Have been off cigs since the 3rd of January, happily vaping now.
    Stef.
     

    calico21

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    All it takes is one non smoker/vaper to complain and the employer is so afraid of lawsuits (rightfully so) and they just ban it. Some employers have even banned perfume because some (probably one) employee complained. My last employer (very large company) had designated smoking areas. They sold out to another company and the new employer not only banned smoking but threatened termination if tobacco was seen in your car in the parking lot. I was a contractor and thank goodness the contract was completed and I moved on.

    Sounds like Caterpillar!They have this policy and I know someone who got fired because of it. He used the union to get his job back because somethings weren't clarified. They clarified it then. I don't work there thank goodness. I'm not supposed to vape in my company vehicle because it was bought with IDOT funds, and I will make no further comment :)
     

    Gahh

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    May 24, 2013
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    I went to the US Open Tennis games on Friday night . They were not sure if my ego/ evod was allowed in. Security was called and informed the the metal detector men, " cigarettes and ecig's are permitted .
    I knew that the US Open grounds are a smoke free invironment ,,, and figured any smokers would exit the premises to light up.
    BUT in fact, a found 3 cigarette extinguish cans going up the steps of Arthur Ashe Stadium, and a dozen or so smokers lit up by them. Oh yeah ,, there was a No Smoking sign next to the can. DUHHH!!!!
    I vaped through the 2 matches up in the nose bleed section without a word from others in my section, or , security. Who clearly knew what I was doin.

    VAPE ON
     

    Standpoint

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    Feb 24, 2011
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    As a former smoker, and now 4+ year ecig smoker, I do understand the 'no vaping in the office' policy many companies have. One should consider the feelings and air breathed by non-smokers and former smokers who do not smoke ecigs. For example, my brother is a former smoker who does not smoke ecigs. The company he works at allows vaping at their desks, but people's desks are fairly close to each other. The person who sits next to him vapes all day, blowing big clouds in the air, and it affects my brothers lungs. He comes home and his throat is dry and simply put vaping bothers him. We do need to remember, too, that vaping is no where near as odorless as we like to think.

    In my opinion, vapers should be allowed an inside smoking area away from other employees.
     

    damthisisfun

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    Aug 6, 2012
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    Banned at my job - we have a lot of offices in different cities - banned cause some jackass claimed he/she didnt like the smell - nothing to do with possible risk if any to non-vapers.............can u believe that? I had a good mind to call HR and say - well of the ethnic food ppl bring to the office and heat up in the MW - smells awful and makes me wanna puke - when are we gonna ban ppl bringing food to the office - wish I had called
     

    RosaJ

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    The other day I was at the airport in Munich and asked whether I could vape there. They told me to use the toilet as they had banned vaping as it let "real" smokers to lit their cigarettes. He said from the distance it was difficult to tell whether somebody was vaping or smoking and they were sick and tired of having to tell the smokers to extinguish their cigarettes. Also, in regards to your office, I assume as long as the side effects for non vapers are not crystal clear they can not allow it.

    Not sure you guys have read this article:
    E-cigarettes are as harmful as cigarettes and could cause cancer, claims study | Mail Online

    Guess as long as the health implications are not clear I at least can understand that they do not allow it.

    By the way...just joined. Have been off cigs since the 3rd of January, happily vaping now.
    Stef.

    Please check out the CASAA website for the recent Drexel study.
     
    No policy at my work yet. There are more of us vaping every day as those of us who do spread the word. Started out with one guy in the designated smoking area, now there are seven of us. I work at a large facility which has four outdoor smoking areas for 5000 people. Not covered, no wind breaks, completely open to the elements. I share an office with three other people and so far they are cool with me vaping a little in the room. I generally go out with my analog smoking friends anyway just for the social aspect. Sure would be nice to not have to fight the wind, snow, and cold come winter though.
     

    Uma

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    Desk workers only need a tiny dehumidifier and they should be good to go and all others should be safe from witnessing any escaped fog. A large fern on the desk wouldn't hurt either, to hide from the smokers. Problem solved. Anybody caught without a dehumidfoer and a plant will have to walk the plank to the smoking area.

    Here's one, for example. Amazon.com: Mini Dehumidifier: Sports & Outdoors
     
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