Vaping at work may be banned...

[Silence]

Well it would appear that no matter how low profile i tried to keep my vaping at work, word has gotten around that I have been doing it. I was just informed by my boss thatI should keep it low profile till HR can clarify their position on E-Cigs. Currently there is no policy in place so I am technically not doing anything wrong... Now I know I can still stealth vape and go to the bathroom to vape but still it won't help if my company won't even back my quitting smoking and being more productive (as I don't take breaks anymore). Is there room for a prejudice suit here if I get hit with the ole' you can't smoke here?

 

[Shining Wit]

Well it would appear that no matter how low profile i tried to keep my vaping at work, word has gotten around that I have been doing it. I was just informed by my boss thatI should keep it low profile till HR can clarify their position on E-Cigs. Currently there is no policy in place so I am technically not doing anything wrong... Now I know I can still stealth vape and go to the bathroom to vape but still it won't help if my company won't even back my quitting smoking and being more productive (as I don't take breaks anymore). Is there room for a prejudice suit here if I get hit with the ole' you can't smoke here?

Just casually mention to your boss that you have asked your lawyer to look into the potential discrimination aspect 8-o
If that doesn't work, come and get a job with us where it's compulsory!!
John

 

[Turco Chips]

Good luck to you! ...I fully intend to vape in my office at my desk.



I also can close the door should I think people might have an issue.


TC

 

[Slickstick]

Well it would appear that no matter how low profile i tried to keep my vaping at work, word has gotten around that I have been doing it. I was just informed by my boss thatI should keep it low profile till HR can clarify their position on E-Cigs. Currently there is no policy in place so I am technically not doing anything wrong... Now I know I can still stealth vape and go to the bathroom to vape but still it won't help if my company won't even back my quitting smoking and being more productive (as I don't take breaks anymore). Is there room for a prejudice suit here if I get hit with the ole' you can't smoke here?

That is some bull. I bought my first kit from a government employee who openly vapes in the no smoking government building.

 

[doots]

I would expect in 2010 to see a lot more employers taking the stance on ecigs in the work area just because there is no definate conclusion as to whether there is second hand effect.

The employers don't want to be held liable, I suspect, and they have the FDA nonsense to back up their claim on a no ecog policy.

It lets them off the hook and there really isn't anything the employee can do about it.

 

[BuzzKill]

Take longer breaks LOL !

 

[kaaayd]

I treat E-cigs the same as analogs. I still step outside to vape unless I know for a fact it is accepted where I'm at.

 

[Raenon]

I treat E-cigs the same as analogs. I still step outside to vape unless I know for a fact it is accepted where I'm at.

This is a much safer position so as to not get yourself "singled out" by the ignorant.

Besides, I like stepping away from my desk. At my desk, clients bother me- when I'm away, they wait.

 

[Silence]

heck I'm tech support... ppl bother me while i'm in the john... but HR said we should know something tomorrow. So I will be sure to post back and let everyone what they said and if it is unfavorable I may even post what company I work for...

 

[oldlady]

I know this may not apply to a lot of people, but I simply lock the door to my office. That way I can vape away, and it is not an issue. I figure people cannot complain about things they do not know about.

 

[Karl the heretiK]

There's no vaping policy where I work, but I've decided to follow along with the policy as it applies to chewing tobacco... ie, no vaping on the floor... only on breaks and lunch... and even though I still go outside with the smokers to vape, I will definitely be vaping in the cafeteria during the dog days of winter, when it's in the teens on the fahrenheit scale...

 

[oldlady]

There is always the bathroom too!

 

[Karl the heretiK]

There is always the bathroom too!

That would be my unofficial, after lunch break, milady...

 

[maureengill]

As much as I hate to say this....but as much as they don't want to breathe the second hand smoke of a cigarette, why should I after I quit smoking? Talk about an oxymoron... (I mean your HR people are moronic)

Maureen

 

[nubee]

I would expect in 2010 to see a lot more employers taking the stance on ecigs in the work area just because there is no definate conclusion as to whether there is second hand effect.

The employers don't want to be held liable, I suspect, and they have the FDA nonsense to back up their claim on a no ecog policy.

It lets them off the hook and there really isn't anything the employee can do about it.

I'm with doots here...employers will take the 'safe' route and as there is no FDA or any other backing for e-cigs, ban is the 'safest' route for them.

 

[AngusATAT]

If they officially ban it in my workplace, I will suddenly come down with a bad case of IBS, and find myself having to run to the restroom every half an hour.

Take that, productivity!

 

[kristin]

I hate to say it, but if the FDA does make this a medical/drug delivery device (without banning it, of course), that would probably open a legal status for being able to vape at work. How can they deny you "medication" then?

 

[SmokinScott]

I'm a stealth vapor at work. I don't *think* I've been caught yet.

I figure it's easier to seek forgiveness then permission.

 

[KermieD]

You will find that any talk of a discrimination suit will get laughed out of the HR office, particularly if you are in a "work at will" state. Discrimination applies to a predjudice associated with race, religion, etc. Just as a workplace has the right to institute a dress code policy or a policy governing relationships between employess, they also have the right to dictate vaping as an at-work behavior. All are absolutely unregulated, legal activities in public, but the workplace still has the right to establish guidelines and policies regarding your behavior while you are on the clock.

To suggest to HR that you have spoken to your attorney regarding the potential for a discrimination case is a sure way to get labeled as a troublemaker. One piece of advice: NEVER threaten something you are not equipped or do not intend to follow up on.

 

[KermieD]

Kristin's comment is very astute. Should the FDA regulate this as a medical/drug delivery device, that would at the very least give you a tool to go back to HR with.

Right now, your best bet would be to go to the HR department with your PV in hand and do your best to demonstrate your knowledge of the device and its risks.