Implications for Peripatetic Workers

Peripatetic working relates to employees who are required to visit premises away from the organisational workplace, whilst undertaking their duties.  This part of the policy relates to peripatetic working within people’s homes or premises that are exempt from the smoke free legislation.

Managers are required to include consideration of second-hand smoke when they undertake risk assessments of peripatetic workers required to enter non-Council premises.

Employees should be made aware of the potential risks of entering a home or premise that is exempt from any smoke free legislation and should have consideration for second-hand smoke and the level of risk identified.

Employees must not smoke whilst on duty and when visiting residents in their own homes.  Residents are entitled to expect that their own home environment will not be contaminated by the smell of smoke. Therefore, to minimise the smell of smoke, employees should refrain from smoking prior to making a home visit.

When entering a home or any other premises exempt from the smoke free legislation and where employees are exposed to second-hand smoke, employees are expected to make reasonable attempts to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke by adopting one or more of the following strategies:

• Consider whether or not the work could be undertaken in an alternative location away from second-hand smoke and/or at a later date/time.
• Consider the use of a face covering/mask if it is felt this would be helpful.
• Request that the premises be ventilated before/during the visit.
• Where possible, inform the client of the council’s policy in advance and request their co-operation in refraining from smoking whilst employee(s) are in attendance.
• Smoking clients will, wherever possible, be requested not to smoke whilst our staff are present. This should form part of the agreed care plan.

Employees however, must not put themselves at risk in applying this policy.  Advice from the Line Manager should be sought if application of the policy poses any further risk.

In extreme circumstances care may be withdrawn from clients whose smoking creates a risk to employees.