Cancer Council WA has welcomed recent changes to Western Australia's Work Health and Safety regulations that now prohibit the use of e-cigarettes (vaping) in enclosed workplaces, aligning them with existing smoking restrictions.
Cancer Council WA Cancer Prevention and Research Director, Melissa Ledger, said the changes were a major step forward in protecting workers from exposure to harmful second-hand tobacco smoke and e-cigarette aerosols.
"We congratulate the State Government and the Work Health and Safety Commission for acting to protect the health and wellbeing of WA workers," Ms Ledger said.
This is a common-sense and evidence-based change that brings vaping into line with existing workplace smoking bans and ensures a consistent approach to health and safety across all industries, including mining.
"Young people who vape are five times more likely to then try smoking compared to their non-vaping peers.
"We know these products are dangerous, particularly for young people, and none have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a cessation aid to help with quitting smoking.
The move follows Cancer Council WA's submission to WorkSafe WA and ongoing advocacy for stronger workplace protections.
Ms Ledger said previous research* conducted by Cancer Council WA found that 46 per cent of WA workers reported being exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke and/or e-cigarette aerosols at work.
"No one should be exposed to harmful substances in their place of work, and this regulatory change helps to ensure that workplaces across the state are healthier and safer for everyone," she said.
Cancer Council WA is encouraging all employers and organisations to review and update their smoke-free policies to ensure they comply with the new regulations.
Free workplace resources, including policy templates, guides and signage, are available via the Make Smoking History website at www.makesmokinghistory.org.au.
