On 30/08/11 00:26, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:


Given it's possible to provide a safe working environment for those
handling much more dangerous gases etc than smoke, it doesn't take too
much thought to realise you could make filtered smoking areas.


In that situation it is essential, as those dangerous gases are part of the
work being done.

If I were an employer (and I'm not) why should I spend hard-to-come-by funds
on facilities for smokers, when them smoking contributes in no way at all to
the success of the organisation? If I was to give money away it would be
better to donate it to charity, where it would be beneficial to worthwhile
causes.

And if those smokers can't do a decent days work without needing to go
outside for cigarettes for more breaktime than a non-smoker needs, then
they're not fit for the job and I would replace them with someone who is.

No objection whatsoever if someone wants to smoke. But like any other
addiction when it starts to affect people around them or prevents them from
doing their job then it has gone too far and they need to wise up.

Like any addict, though, they can't accept any of this. Their minds are
closed to all reason. Woe betide anyone who gets in the way or suggests the
addict is wrong. They find anyway possible to justify to themselves and
others that to be addicted is normal and is their right.