A message from Redonda G. Miller, M.D., M.B.A.; President, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
The Johns Hopkins Hospital's tobacco-free at work policy supports our continued efforts to provide the highest-quality care environment for patients, visitors and our dedicated staff.
Beginning on September 1, 2020 What is Changing?
- Employees cannot use any tobacco products during their work shifts. This includes during meals and breaks. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, e-cigarettes and vape pens.
- Employees cannot smell of smoke or tobacco products during work hours.
- The updated policy applies to all Johns Hopkins Hospital staff members and anyone working in the hospital.
- Resources are available to help employees remain tobacco-free at work.
- There are no designated smoking areas around the hospital. Patients and visitors will not be able to use tobacco products in the hospital or on the JHH campus.
Johns Hopkins Hospital managers and employees, view:
- New Tobacco-Free at Work Policy for The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Tobacco-Free at Work Guide
- Manager's Toolkit
- Tobacco-Free at Work Flyers
A valid JHED ID is required
Why is The Johns Hopkins Hospital becoming tobacco-free at work?
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our Tobacco-Free at Work Policy. If you have further questions, please call Human Resources Solution Center at 443-997-5400 and [email protected].
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Beginning September 1, 2020, JHH employees and other team members working in the hospital will not be able to use tobacco or vape products at any time during their work hours — on or off campus. Work hours are defined as a scheduled shift or the period when an employee is expected to be in an operational capacity and physically working at JHH. This includes breaks.
In addition, employees and their clothing cannot smell of tobacco products, because it puts others at risk of exposure to second- and third-hand smoke.
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We’re doing this because we are committed to providing the healthiest and safest experience for our patients, visitors and staff members.
Studies show there is no risk-free exposure to smoke. Health hazards associated with smoking tobacco include its production of secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Exposure also poses risks for nonsmoking adults and children.
Secondhand smoke – smoke that is exhaled and then inhaled by others – can lead to health complications for our patients and colleagues. Even the lingering smell of smoke on clothing and other surfaces – known as thirdhand smoke – can worsen the side effects that occur with some of the treatments our patients receive.
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The Tobacco-Free at Work Policy applies to anyone working at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
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Patients and visitors will also not be able to use tobacco/vape products in the hospital or on the JHH campus.
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This policy applies to all tobacco and vape products, including but not limited to:
● Cigarettes
● Cigars
● Cigarillo
● Chewing tobacco
● Pipes
● Herbal smoking products
● E-cigarettes
● Vape pens
● E-Hookahs -
No. When you use tobacco products, the residual smell of smoke on your clothing causes potential health hazards to those around you, including our patients and your colleagues. The smell of smoke can worsen side effects — such as nausea — that occur with some treatments our patients receive.
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No, there are no exceptions.
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Yes. There are a number of smoking cessation programs available. Please refer to the Tobacco-Free at Work Guide.
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No. This policy prohibits the use of tobacco/vapor products during an employee’s work shift. The policy does not require employees to quit smoking or to stop using tobacco/vapor products altogether.
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Nicotine is the primary agent in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
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Every employee is expected to adhere to our Tobacco-Free at Work Policy. In addition, managers are expected to enforce this policy. Supportive coaching and information about our free cessation resources will be provided.
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Employees are not expected to confront or intervene if they are concerned in any way for their own safety or the safety of others. Staff members can approach the person courteously to inform them of this policy, but only if they feel comfortable doing so. Employees are encouraged to report smoking on The Johns Hopkins Hospital grounds to security and/or their supervisor.
Planning Your Tobacco-Free Day
We understand that going tobacco-free during the work day may take some getting used to. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help all of our staff stay tobacco-free at work.
View Your Tobacco-Free at Work Guide
JHED ID required
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