Media release: 17 October, 2003
The
Australian Medical Association has joined health and trade union groups in
calling for an immediate end to smoky workplaces – including pubs and clubs.
The
AMA this month joined the SmokeFree ’03 coalition of health and union
organisations committed to bringing about totally smokefree workplaces as soon
as possible.
Says
AMA President Dr Bill Glasson:
“The
evidence for total indoor smoke bans in all public buildings is overwhelming.
Secondhand tobacco smoke causes cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness and
much more. It does immediate and potentially fatal long-term health harm to
workers and patrons of smoky venues. The evidence is also clear that
ventilation-based strategies don’t protect adequately against these dangers.
“We’re
especially concerned for the workers, including contractors, who are exposed to
this risk every day or night. Their lives and health are in daily peril.
“It
is quite unacceptable that this category of workers are denied the protection
from toxic fumes that all workers should have under occupational health and
safety laws. State and territory governments have delayed for too long
legislating to clearly and unequivocally ban indoor smoke in all workplaces.
“The
new Guidance Note just released by the National Occupational Health and Safety
Commission makes it clear: all governments should be moving immediately to make
all indoor workplaces totally smokefree without further delay. We have seen too
many inquiries, committees and working parties.
“We
say this to the states and territories and to all employers: let’s get rid of
this danger and let’s have no more dithering about it.”
Comment:
Dr Bill Glasson, AMA
via Judith Tokley ph. (02)
6270-5471 / 0408-824-306
Media
info: Stafford
Sanders
ph. (02) 9334-1823
SmokeFree '03 coalition:
Liquor,
Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union; Musicians’ Union of Australia; Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Australian Council of
Trade Unions; Action on Smoking and Health Australia; The Cancer Council
Australia; National Heart Foundation of Australia; Australian Council on Smoking
and Health; Non-Smokers’ Movement of Australia; Australian Medical
Association.