Escambia School Board Moves Closer To Tobacco-Free Hiring Policy

The Escambia County School Board moved closer Tuesday night to implementing a tobacco-free hiring policy.During their regular meeting, the board voted unanimously to advertise intent to adopt the policy, which would not allow anyone to be hired that had used tobacco products within the last six months. Along with the standard drug test currently administered, new employees would also be tested for tobacco use. The newly hired employees would be required to remain tobacco free as a condition of employment.

The school board believes the new policy would not only mean healthier employees, but also lower costs associated with health insurance costs and lost days at work.
The policy defines tobacco as any product that includes tobacco intended or expected for human use or consumption, including lighted or unlighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes or any other smoking product, chewing tobacco or snuff. The policy applies to tobacco in any form, including lozenges, strips and pouches.
The board will vote on the adoption of the tobacco-free hiring policy at their regular June meeting.
Similar policies have been adopted by other large local employers, including Escambia County, ECUA, Sacred Heart Hospital and Baptist Health Care.