Appropriate measures to reduce secondhand smoke of establishments within an industrial estate

Abstract

The objective of this study was to study the situation of the secondhand smoke reduction implementation and recommended measures to reduce secondhand smoke in establishments within two industrial estates in Bangkok and its vicinity. This was a qualitative research study in which the primary data were collected from interviews with 39 key informants, from general observations, and secondary data collected from legal, rules and regulations, and related academic documents. The result found that workplaces Implemented the following legal, rules and regulations related to smoking control and the protection of non-smokers' health, but some limitations cause the operation to be inefficient, such as the attitude and behavior of the employees, location restrictions, and the type of the industrial establishment, etc. For appropriate measures to reduce secondhand smoke and smoking among employees, cooperation from all sectors must be achieved. Especially, the establishment of clear and rigorous management policies, as well as organizing of appropriate health promotion activities that meet the needs of employees. In this regard, we should indicate clearly non-smoking areas or appropriate smoking areas, enforcing tobacco control law strictly and continuously, and increasing incentives for the workplaces to implement. This can increase successful implementation of secondhand smoke reduction and achieving a health promoting workplaces for employees.