Smoking ban during health visits

Smoking is banned in most DHSS buildings

Smokers who are visited by health care workers at home must not light up during the visit.

The Isle of Man's Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) said the new policy was to protect community care workers from second-hand smoke.

Staff affected include district nurses, midwives, health visitors, social workers and mental health workers.

David Killip, DHSS chief executive officer, said workers could be "regularly" exposed to smoke on visits.

'Safe environment'

"As an employer, the DHSS has a duty to provide a safe working environment for all its staff," Mr Killip said.

"Although the legislation has ensured that staff are protected in DHSS buildings and cars, prior to this policy, many of our community care workers have still been regularly exposed to second-hand smoke in their working environment.

"Whilst we understand that someone's home is their own personal space, we also hope service users appreciate that we need to take care of the workers who care for them."

Smoking is not permitted in any DHSS buildings apart from residential care homes, nursing homes and psychiatric units.