Three down, one to goÖNorthern Ireland makes space to breathe!

Today, Northern Ireland enjoys its first smoke-free day, following the historic introduction of a smoking ban in workplaces and public places.

Lisa Fowlie, IOSH President says: ìWeíre delighted that Northern Irelandís workers will at last get the protection they need from passive smoke in the workplace. This serious health hazard has been neglected for far too long, with exposed workers unnecessarily suffering increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer. The ban will help both improve workers health and cut the death toll associated with breathing second-hand smoke at work

ìWe are very pleased to hear that in Scotland, following their ban last year, the air quality benefits are already being experienced. Wales took decisive action at the beginning of April, but sadly, England still drags its heels and is the last and missing part of a smoke-free UK, which is due to be officially completed in July. As ever, we urge employers not to wait, but to take action now to protect their workers health.î

Brian Goodfellow MBE, the chair of the IOSH Northern Ireland Branch, added: ìThe majority of people will agree with the smoking ban because we are very aware of the benefits gained south of the border in Ireland. The ban in Ireland seems to have been accepted very well by everyone, and I hope it will be accepted in the same way here.

ìIt is encouraging to hear that some companies are assisting employees who smoke to give up the habit by arranging or subsidising appropriate treatment. Everyone is aware of the health risks associated with passive smoking and hopefully the ban in Northern Ireland will help improve the health of the nation.î

IOSH has produced a guide ëA breath of fresh air ñ introducing a smoke-free policy at workí that can be downloaded free from www.iosh.co.uk/techguide