Status of worksite smoking policies in Indiana manufacturing industries

The purpose of this study was to assess the status of worksite smoking policies in Indiana's manufacturing industries and to describe the relationship between policy, workforce size, and manufacturing type. Of the 493 questionnaires distributed, 181 (36.7%) were returned. Approximately 67% percent of the industries reported having some type of restrictive policy with the majority of those policies not allowing smoking at the worksite except in designated areas. Most policies were developed within the last five years and were implemented due to a concern for employee health. Workforce size was directly related to the prevalence of significant restrictions. Those companies employing greater then 100 employees were the most likely to have a policy whereas the employing less than 11 were the least likely to have a policy. Standard industrial classifications 34 (fabricated metal products) and 35 (machinery, except electrical) had less restrictive policies as compared to other S.I.C. classifications. A follow up on 10% (n=30) of the nonrespondents yielded similar results to those who did respond.Department of Physiology and Health ScienceThesis (M.S.