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First fine for smoking in the workplace
- The law department of the University of Helsinki has been given a conditional fine of FIM 100,000 (EUR 16, 800) for violating the law on smoking in the workplace. This is the first such fine since the law was enacted four years ago. Complaints have been brought against three professors for smoking in their offices. They have until November 1 to quit their habit of smoking indoors, or the university will have to pay the fine.
- Apart from this indiscretion, the force of law has not been required and any
disputes have been settled amicably through negotiation. Smoking indoors
has decreased, as has exposure to cigarette smoke. Smoking in itself has
not decreased, but the amount of cigarette breaks has. The larger the
workplace, the brighter the situation, but in one third of businesses with
fewer than 50 employees the law is violated. Smoking is most common in
businesses with a small workforce.
- As for the three professors, two were unreachable, but Lars D. Eriksson, Professor of Public Law, says that he will respect the ban. He will not quit smoking, but he will no longer smoke his pipe in his office. However, he will also be less available, as he plans to work from home more, and only show up for lectures and specified office hours.
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 15.10.1999
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