Tobacco/Vaping/Nicotine-Free Facilities & Vehicles

Dow Aero (“Company”) is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for employees and visitors, all while promoting its employees’ health and well-being.

The health hazards related to tobacco/vaping/nicotine use impact both the user and non-users alike. We care about each employee’s health, and we intend to provide all employees and visitors with an indoor working environment favorable to good health.

Acceptable Use

Tobacco/vaping/nicotine use is prohibited in all enclosed areas within Company facilities or job sites, without exception. Therefore, employees, contractors, or visitors may not use any form of tobacco products (e.g., using smoke or smokeless tobacco, along with Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems such as vaporizers (this includes non-tobacco vapes), electronic cigarettes, or JUUL’s) anywhere inside Company facilities, including

  • Offices;

  • Shops; and

  • Warehouses.

It also includes using tobacco/vape/nicotine products when operating or riding in any Company-owned vehicles or equipment. 

Employees are only permitted to use tobacco/vape/nicotine products during regular break and meal periods. Additionally, tobacco/vape/nicotine products are only permissible while in designated smoking/tobacco use areas, which will vary depending on location. Consult your superior or a coworker to locate a designated smoking/tobacco use area.

Individuals shall discard tobacco/vape/nicotine products with hot embers in a smoker receptacle. These receptacle’s shall be routinely cleaned/emptied by smokers on occasion; this should occur at least one (1) time per quarter. This is to prevent any any buildup or combustion of cigarette filters. When preforming this task, use suitable amounts of water to ensure no embers are present before discarding in a dumpster.

REMEMBER — DO NOT DISCARD HOT ASHES INTO A DUMPSTER, REGULAR TRASH BIN, OR ON THE GROUND

Individuals shall discard all other tobacco paraphernalia as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Maintaining this policy helps maintain a neat and clean environment for all employees and contractors, our visitors, and our surrounding communities; this also keeps the Company in compliance with regulatory requirements, including those set by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Coverage

Again, this policy applies to the following individuals anytime while on Company property or within Company vehicles or equipment: 

  • All employees, whether Full-Time or Part-Time, Leased, Contract, or Internship employment status.

  • Independent contractors, consultants, vendors, or customers.

  • Other visitors.

Violation

If you witness anyone violating this policy, please directly notify the individual first, if possible. If the person fails to stop using tobacco/vape/nicotine products in the unauthorized area immediately or should you later witness the same person committing an additional violation, then notify the Company’s Human Resources (“HR”) or Environmental Health & Safety (“EH&S”) departments. If you have a reasonable suspicion that this policy is violated, notify the Company’s HR department so appropriate personnel can further investigate.

Tobacco Use Risks

Tobacco use harms nearly every function in your body, including: 

  • Cancer

    • Increases chance of developing various types of cancer, including lung, throat, mouth, etc.

  • Ears

    • Increases risk of damage that can result in permanent mild to severe hearing loss.

  • Eyes

    • Increases chance of developing cataracts and macular degeneration (both can lead to blindness).

  • Heart

    • Increases chance of getting heart disease due to increased blood pressure.

  • Lungs

    • Increases risk for shortness of breath and developing emphysema.

  • Mouth

    • Increases risk for oral health problems, such as mouth sores, ulcers, and gum disease.

Benefits of Quitting Tobacco Use

The health benefits of quitting tobacco use can improve most of the significant functions of your body. Some of these can happen very quickly upon stopping: 

  • Twenty (20) minutes after quitting

    • Your heart rate drops to an ordinary level.

  • Twelve (12) hours after quitting

  • The carbon dioxide level in your blood drops to an average level.

  • Two (2) weeks after quitting

    • Your risk of having a heart attack begins to fall, and your lung functions continue improving.

  • One (1) month after quitting

    • Your coughing and shortness of breath may start to decrease.

  • One (1) year after quitting

    • Your risk of coronary heart disease reduces.

    • Your benefits of stopping tobacco do not end here.

Besides these health benefits, if enrolled in the Company’s healthcare benefit, you can see an additional discount on your base medical coverage as well.

Tobacco Cessation Opportunities

We sincerely care about all our employees and contractors’ health and wellness, and as such, we encourage all those who use tobacco products to quit. Remember, it is never too late to stop using tobacco products. Help is always readily available, including these three resources below, which provide free tobacco cessation guidance and products for those who are interested in pursuing a non-tobacco lifestyle:

Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

Phone 1 (800) QUIT NOW | Web okhelpline.com

Smokefree

Web smokefree.gov

American Lung Association

Phone 1 (800) LUNG USA | Web lung.org

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