Smoking in the workplace

[macfanuk]

Wondering if anyone can offer any advice. We have got a 6 year lease on a new build industrial unit, and have spent a lot of money gteting the unit fitted out (hence don't want to move), but the company next door are constantly smoking in their unit, and the smell of the smoke is filtering through to our unit (it's only a small unit so can be smelt all over).

I have spoken to the company the other side of our neighbour and they can smell the smoke too, but I'm just wondering what's the best way to approach it. Do I inform the landlord (who owns all 3 units), or do I contact environmental health? I don't want to cause bad feeling with our neighbours but the smoke is giving me a headache.

Or, should I just buy some strong air freshners and leave it be?

 

[STDFR33]

Have a friendly chat in the first instance, explaining that as a non-smoker it isn't pleasant for you or your staff. And also a mild reminder that smoking in the workplace is illegal.

If you don't get anywhere, then take it up with the landlord and go from there.

Going straight to the landlord or environmental health is likely to get their backs up straight away and could make your tenancy awkward - potentially 6 years of hell!

 

[Ione]

If I were you, I would drop a line to their management, asking them to stop smoking, and stating that in the case of their failure, you will drop a line to some state authorities in order to check their compliance with environmental and fire safety regulations.

 

[Psl]

And when they stop smoking in the unit and move to a dedicated smoking area outside their unit, how will you address this? As the smoke from smoking drifts where it likes, it doesn't obey the no-smoking laws!

 

[macfanuk]

And when they stop smoking in the unit and move to a dedicated smoking area outside their unit, how will you address this? As the smoke from smoking drifts where it likes, it doesn't obey the no-smoking laws!

To be fair, I think the smell from them smoking outside would be much better than it filtering through the entire side wall of our unit.

 

[pelparc]

Do not forget that you have a legal obligation to protect your staff from any harmful contaminants, such as smoke.

Or, should I just buy some strong air freshners and leave it be?

Adding another contaminant to the air does not remove the damage the smoke causes to your lungs it just adds another even stronger smell, which is unlikely to be good for you.

Do you hold stock, if so is your stock being damaged by the smoke?

I think i would try speaking to the unit occupiers first (out of politeness) and try and find a mutual solution. Then i would try the landlord if no joy. Don't envy you as relationships could easily go bad.
Good luck

 

[Psl]

To be fair, I think the smell from them smoking outside would be much better than it filtering through the entire side wall of our unit.

Seriously? All the fervent non-smokers I have ever met, and there's been a few, have always hated the smell of tobacco wherever it has come from! You could argue that as the smoke is coming through the wall it is being filtered somewhat?
Ask the landlord where the designated smoking areas are and go from there. If the company next door is in breach of the laws, then act.
What is the business activity of the business next to you?

 

[Ione]

If I am not mistaken it is allowed to smoke only in a dedicated smoking area. If smoke comes from a dedicated smoking area, then it has to be found out if such area meets the certain requirements and applicable rules.