Posted by Employer Wellness | Posted in Employer Wellness | Posted on 24-07-2010
Advantages of Use of tobacco Cessation Programs
Instances of respiratory diseases, cancer and other diseases could be decreased through use of tobacco cessation efforts. Smoking cessation programs can provide gigantic opportunities for improved health.
The American Cancer Society reports that use of tobacco staff members cost companies an typical of $1,429 per smoker per year in increased healthcare costs over non-use of tobacco staff members.
Starting a tobacco use cessation program costs an typical of $45 per employee per year, saving companies an typical of $1,383 per year for each employee who quits tobacco use. Additionally, the American Cancer Society reports that smokers are absent from work 50% more often than nonsmokers.
They are also 50% more likely to be hospitalized and have 15% higher disability rates. Tobacco use reduces onthe- job productivity as well. Workers who take four 10- minute use of tobacco breaks a day work more than a month less per year than workers who don’t take smoke breaks.
Places to start with use of tobacco cessation programs –
• Create a “buddy” program to provide encouragement for those who commit to stop tobacco use.
• Offer lung capacity tests at corporation wellness fairs.
• Consider reimbursement for smoking cessation tools – nicotine gum, patches and inhalers.
• Limit smoking areas in the workplace.
• Present on-site tobacco use cessation sessions.