BD to go tobacco free soon

I happen to work their. I am 100% for this. They told us Jan 1 it starts. I did not know they were the city's largest employer that's news to me.

They have established a date...1/1/2010!

This keeps getting better and better. I love enjoying a smoke free atmosphere. I don't at all feel bad for the smokers who choose to ruin the health of others. Good job BD and I hope all businesses in Columbus soon follow.

YES!!! - AWESOME

As an employee and a smoker I'm constantly disgusted by the lack of common sense on this issue. The building is smoke free!!! Do you really believe your exposing yourself to a detrimental amount of second hand smoke through the exterior walls of the building ??? Simply caving to popular social opinion with ignorance toward common sense seems to be the norm these days.
Obesity surpassed smoking as the #1 health concern years ago but we recently received a dozen expensive new vending machines chock full of junk food...hmmmm.

WHOO HOO!!!
I can't believe employees were allowed to smoke during work hours anyway. If you can smell the smoke on them then there must be some residue that gets into the product.

As an obese smoker I'm glad we at least still have vending machines.

This isn't really fair to the smokers. How do you expect them to use the products they make if they stay healthy?

WOW! I sure can't wait to see how many "easy" firings will come of this. Way to go BD! Forgot how ridiculous you really are! You won't be the largest employer for long!!!!!!

To "Simply caving to popular social opinion with ignorance toward common sense seems to be the norm these days...."

This is NOT social opinion, it is a health hazard for you and anyone who has to walk in the vicinity of the smoke; second hand smoke can be even more harmful to some than to the smoker.

Ignorance against common sense; common sense says do not put smoke into your lungs and if laws have to be passed to protect those who do not smoke, so be it. Smoke travels and sticks to clothing which can trigger asthma attacks just being around the person after they have smoked.

By the way, I am a former smoker and when I was still smoking, I understood and would never have wanted anyone else to breathe in the smoke I was putting in my lungs of my own accord (along with a little help from the tobaccy companies via nicotine). What a refreshing difference in my life and those around me!

I can't stop laughing. That's soooooo funny! Smokers will have to breathe fresh air all day. I hope they can survive.

I bet within 6 weeks most smokers will actually be glad they did it.

The company across the street from mine is smoke free. Every day about 10, 12 and 3 there are about a dozen people hanging out across from their work smoking. 40 somethings in dresses and tie's just look funny hanging out on the street corner.

They did not stop smoking, they just moved it across the street.

Will BD Medical pay for patches, gum...and other forms for people that want to quit?

Perfect company for Columbus, just patch the issue instead of fixing it.

I can see people already on Jan 1 sitting in their cars a block away puffing a smoke. Well now....its in a car, people are going to smell more like smoke and the problem is worse. My god....the people already have to stand outside in the weather just to have a smoke...lets put the snack eaters outside too because it makes me hungry seeing someone eat that twinky or candy bar. ITS A HEALTH HAZARD TO WATCH THEM EAT AND ITS GOING TO MAKE ME FAT! Then the people that quit smoking eat more and so this is a big circle of bad health. I would love to see the government and nonsmokers that complain make it without us smokers paying expensive taxes.

Vlad
"As an employee and a smoker..."

It looks like you can be one or the other but not both. Seems like an easy choice.

Vlad

You don't breathe in twinkie crumbs when I'm stuffing them in my face so it doesn't affect your health like second hand smoke does.

smokers pay eckstra taxs win we by cigretess so we shud git eckstra rites like a place to smoke outdoars if we want ta.

I would like to personally congratulate the management of BD for their forward thinking and for taking the responsibilty to give their employees a healthy environment. The is a big step towards the eradication of yet another terrible disease. Hopefully someday our children will only hear stories about the days when people use to smoke and cigarettes will only be seen on museum shelves.

smoke

Huh? When I see someone smoke it doesn't make me want to smoke so why would it make you want to eat if you see someone eating? It's called will power. I think you need to clear your head of some smoke.

"I would love to see the government and nonsmokers that complain make it without us smokers paying expensive taxes."

It takes much more than those taxes to pay for the added medical expenses. Stop fooling yourself.

If smokers r so dum then how come were always thinkin bout stuff?

Who will be next? Behlens, CAMACO?

I'm so glad it will happen. It's best for the non-smokers: most smokers take extra smoke breaks at the expense of the non-smokers who continue working. It's best for the smokers: another reason to quit. Hope other companies will do the right thing as well.

I wonder if the smokers will still get the privilage of all those extra breaks that the non-smokers couldn't take all day long?

It's an issue of savings on health insurance and productivity. Smokers can't walk off off and on all day long any more and might get more work done.

There are only benefits to this decision. No drawbacks. No pros and cons to weigh. If some smokers quit, that's an added benifit. I think once other employers realize this then they will go the same route. If you work at BD and smoke and are thinking about leaving you might want to consider that your next employer will do the same thing within months. Kick the habit before it kicks you.

As a long time smoker I wish my employer would force me to quit.

TO: Whatever

whatever

Welcome to BD Medical, where we require you to work 70 hours a week, as it is good for your health. We will need you to turn off all cell phones while on the property along with park off grounds as there was a fender bender in the parking lot last week.

Please blow into this tube to make sure you do not have alcohol in your system and fill this cup before you can start, as we are concerned about drugs.

If you take any medication you will be fired as you can not miss work, as it is recomended that you not operate machinery while on them.

If I were them I would be more worried about someone going "postal" then elimating the segragated smokers.

I think that is totally ridiculas. I understand not smoking inside that could put someone in danger, but if the smokers are outside and you do not smoke and if you are worried about your health, then why the heck are you out there around them??? And has for smelling it on someone, pretty sure you are not going to get cancer that way, your more likely to get hit by a car, or dying of a heart attack. I can't believe that they are doing that, but im sure they will lose some employees they will go somewhere where they have the right to smoke outside of there place of employment! And to all of you who do not smoke and are acting like that is the only thing you can get sick from, how many of you get into a car after drinking and put lives in danger!!!

If you want to complain about the policy that a company has, then quit & go somewhere else. Who said you HAD to work there? Is it really that bad that a company that has a motto of "Helping All People Live Healthy Lives" is trying to get smokers to quit and actually live a heathly life? It seems that NOT putting this policy in place only makes BD a place that doesnt practice what they preach. What do you smokers NOT understand about the dangers of second hand smoke? If you want to die of cancer go right ahead, but that doesnt mean the people around you do. Use some common sense.

To What's Next: Let me get this straight you are whining about working 70 hours a week? I know several people recently laid off from, gee let me think, Oh yeah, Katana Summitt, Behlen Mfg, Greystone Mfg, Lindsay Mfg etc; etc; IF you can't handle the job then why don't you just quit and let somebody else have a job, as for blowing in a tube, or filling a cup why should I have to work beside you if you are under the influence. BD management can watch how many smoke breaks people take just by seeing how often they badge in and out of the building, or are all BD smokers only smoking on breaks and meal times, yeah right!! It amazes me how many people that have a good job with good benefits at a stable employer can still find something to complain about. Oh and to "Whatever", as for BD not being the largest employer for long, sure they will cause when they get rid of clowns like you, 5 more people will be at the door ready to take your job. It's people like you that constantly think their employer owes them something, you probably think you are irreplacable! Let me tell you something my father told me a long time ago, "Just remember son, when you think you can't be replaced, just remember that if you died tomorrow, the company you work for might be sad, and miss you, but your replacement will be there in a week or two" BD was here long before you, and will be here long after you are gone.

Hey Plein Air- Whatever back to you! The truth is the truth. You just watch.

As a current BD employee, I cannot wait for January 1st. Maybe now I won't have to work extra hard to cover for the smoker on the machine beside me who is outside taking extra breaks to smoke. Maybe we will get off overtime on Saturdays since all the smokers will be more productive.

IT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED YEARS AGO!!!

Sounds to me like more work would get done if the nonsmokers would stop spending so much time whining and complaining about the smokers. Stop worrying about what others do. Shut up and get your work done like a good little nonsmoker.

Great for BD...

...and I can't wait until they get rid of their night shifts, since studies have shown that there is a also a link between night shift working and cancer.

Yep, look it up.

I don't smoke, but if you get sick from second or even third hand smoke, then chances are you will keel over from some other minor event, such as hyperventilating while whining.

Secondhand smoke might be weeding out the weak from the gene pool, just as first hand smoke weeds out those with poor decision making skills.

My father died young because of health issues linked to smoking. He (we) didn't know any better 20 years ago. There are no excuses for ignorance today. For those getting upset at BD, switch your anger to the tobacco companies that prey on your weaknesses. I believe this is a non issue for most people here at BD. For those that think otherwise, take advantage of the BD offer of free patches and free counseling. Talk to your family. Get help.

Another larger employer in town who had banned smoking in the building years ago, still puts up with those employees standing on the West side of their building on the second floor balcony smoking. I would venture to say every hour, at least for those smokers that in itself could save NPPD money to ban smoking on their property also, make those who go "outside "every hour, be productive as those who don't, stay at their desk and actually work.

I hope the county does this too. Ever walk in the back door of the Court House? It's like walking in a gauntlet of smoke.

I think that is absolutely disgraceful for the employees that constantly enter and exit the BD campus across from my streetto be so grotesquely fat, pathetically clothed, driving unsafe junky cars, and not having even the decency of having a college degree.

This should be stopped now!

Otherwise my health might suffer.

not a smoker but are you kidding me. when i was there the non smoker was just as non productive as the smoker. they had smog sessions and the non smokers had b.s. sessions. get off your high horses people you are no better than anybody else. they should out law gossiping next that would increase your precious productivity more than a few smokers

On behalf of WHATEVER: I agree,way to go BD! Once again you have found a way to weed some more innocent people out of a job! Maybe you need to look at your managment and people you intrust to run the place and give them a one on one on how to do their jobs properly. Give me a break! If smoking is your biggest issue you have to deal with,you are crazy. Just another way for the big wigs to throw their weight around and pick on the ones that are making the place run. Maybe cut down on your manditory overtimes and you would have happier employees! Or maybe treat your employees fairly would be a good start!And as far as the idiots that are blogging against the smokers I would ask, " What is your vice?" Im sure every single one of you have a bad habit so maybe let the skeletons out of your closet before you judge others. Or maybe you are the ones that are using BD company time to feed your face, gossip,use computers for non work related pleasure? BD has a lot more pressing issues than smoking they need to make a new policy about! I doubt that these other issues will make the paper! GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!

Even if smokers were more productive there is a lot of added health costs.

Why do smokers always assume that non-smokers are obese drunk drivers?

Don't blame the tobacco companies, they're just trying to make a buck, blame the hypocritical government that allows them to produce cigarettes and then sues them for it.

Cigarette smoke has never hurt anyone. All of those alleged studies are biased. This is the same group that is pushing the global warming agenda. Come on people, think for yourselves, how could a little smoke be bad for you? It actually has medicinal qualities they don't tell you about.

Smokers are the only group I know that march willingly to the slaughter house, even demanding the right. Cattle, pigs and sheep at least fight a little bit.

--Howard V. Dodson

when r they gonna do bar stuff??? that kills innocent by standers as well get a move on it obama

Outstanding for BD- I must agree with you! With all the other plants laying off and closing down, I bet some of those "displaced workers" would welcome the oppurtunity to work at BD! I too am a non- smoker- but I have no problem with going outside to smoke- during scheduled breaks. But BD is a manufactuer or MEDICAL products, I cannot beleieve they have not been smoke free before this

Smokers should appreciate that their employer cares so much about them, most companies don't. I do think that they should offer every available product or service to help them get thru the withdrawal process. It's extremely hard to quit for good.

Just curious. How low does your IQ have to be before you're not smart enough to smoke?

Finally, BD!!! Speaking of popular social opinions!

Smoking has only be tolerated as long as it has because it used to be socially acceptable. What other drug addictions are allowed in a place of work? I just wonder when everyone will be objective about this issue and stop thinking about how things used to be. All businesses should be smoke free!!

Oh ya get used to it this is gonna be more and more common as the years pass by. Have fun this winter smoking outside your fav bar I cant wait to laugh at you. I do know several people at both BD plants and the smokers their have used and abused their smoking privileges so they got what they deserved. BD really does not help all people live healthy lives by making them work 7 days a week with no family time so they need to change their famous line cause its so untrue.

This shouldn't be such a debate. People in charge of BD are addressing an issue. Maybe it's not the most pressing issue in everybodies eyes, but it was of concern enough for them to make that decision. Life isn't fair and everybody has the right to make a decision for their own life. If you don't like the decision BD is making for their company, make a decision for yourself, maybe start your own company and you can make the rules. And if you allow smoking, it looks like you will have plenty of employees who will be right there by your side taking a smoke break. Point being, every person as well as every business has something to offer. BD offers great benefits, solid employment, fair wages, etc. No person and no company is perfect. Apparantly this decision is less than perfect (for several people I know also), but that's life...it is not fair...it is up to you to make the most out of the situation and if you can find a better company to work for, hats of to you. But, don't demean BD - as while they are not perfect, serve a great purpose in the world and in the community. I'm sure all can understand that, as every person with a vice knows they have that vice and even if are not willing to make a change, i'm sure deep down would like to fix that vice. Maybe the next issue at hand will be supplying the vending machines with healthier choices, but one obstacle at a time. I'm all for progress. Change is hard, but sometimes it's worth it.

As a BD employee, I can tell you that a lot of time was spent this past summer to clean up the grounds at BD. Management was disgusted by how many cigarrette butts were found laying around the building, and warned employees that if they would not follow rules and smoke in the designated areas and put the butts in the designated containers, they would lose their privelege to smoke. As the months wore on, they were warned a couple more times, as they still were not following the rules. If you ask me, the smokers got what they deserved.

smokers should have to work harder anyway but they never have

Even if they quit smoking it will be months before you can't smell it anymore.

To NICE: Well said! Couldn't agree with you more. Finally, someone else who see the like of this so called "great company". You rock BD!

To Fred,
If you live across the street from bd's, your not any better then the bd employees. Most the homes around there are not worth that much. Who are you to say we are all are fat and drive junkers. I got a nice car and because bd's pays for half of my ymca membership i'm in good shape. Bd's also pays for college classes, so many of us are in college. I hope all those smokers in up in your yard smoking.

BDs is making it easier now for all to quit smoking
first they will pay you back for the quit smoking aides
second you can no longer smoke on the property
already you are not allowed to sit in your car
so this is great

I work for ADM and we have had the no smoking policy for awhile now with no complaints.

OK! We get it! Smokers are the lowest life form on the planet who are out to murder people just for the fun of it. Non-smokers are gods that should be worshipped and adored for their clean living and pious sense of duty.
We get it! Find a new topic!!!

To Nam Man:

Your comment "itself could save NPPD money to ban smoking on their property also, make those who go "outside "every hour, be productive as those who don't, stay at their desk and actually work." is a bunch of bull. I worked many years at NPPD and I can tell you that nonsmokers weren't staying at their desks working - they were in the break-room to get ice water, to get coffee, to microwave their treats off & on all day, then they went on break. Or, they would go on a walking break and you would see them almost downtown - in 15 minutes??? Drive by now and you will see. Then, they went back to their desk and after a few personal phone calls they then appeared to look busy.

I remember when the state-wide smoking ban passed. Many people especially smokers were upset arguing that the business owners should be able to decide to allow smoking or not citing privileges of private property. Now a business has chosen not to have smoking on their private property and there is still complaining.

What's the big deal? So you can't smoke at work. You can smoke after work and all night if you want to. Oh, I forgot about that nicotine fit / withdrawal thing. It's sad that a drug dictates your life. Look on the bright side, you won't have to stand out in the snow and freezing cold this winter while you get your fix.

TO: SMOKER

Could you repeat your comment. I couldn't quite hear you because you were coughing and hacking so much.

I think cigarettes are causing global warming. This will help save the earth. You owe it to your descendants. Someday your grandchildren will thank you for quitting.

I started smoking so I wouldn't get fat. Now I'll put on weight and have health problems. Can anyone explain how this is good for me?

sniff, sniff... What's that smell? Oh, fresh air. I had forgotten what it was like. Thank you BD!

I still don't believe a law was needed to make this happen. BD is exercising their right, as anyone should be able to, to ban smoking on their property and their wishes need to be respected.
I wouldn't dream of smoking in a place where it wasn't allowed--someone else's business, home, car, or property.
The ridiculous statewide smoking ban created outdoor messes for a lot of places. More businesses may be forced to follow BD's suit and who could blame them. I know it will encourage me to smoke less, even outdoors--Thank you!

Now how am I going to look cool if I can't smoke? Some of us have an image to uphold ya know.

you could do the trendy thing most anti everythingers are doing these days and become a liberal

Even if you're a smoker you have to admit that if you had your own business you wouldn't want to hire smokers because they take extra breaks and have more health problems.

I think that's it for this article. Goodbye smelly smokers!

I really hope they legalize pot. That way ALL of you can gripe, whine and complain as a well organized unit! You are all against that , im sure. LMAO

To: Former NPPD WORKER
If what you state about the non-smokers being in the breakroom etc., you also must have been in there to see them, plus your smoke breaks. Yea, thats time management put to good use. Must be why your an ex employee

Are BD's excercising this new policy in their plants in Mexico? Am guessing - not.

"smokers pay eckstra taxs win we by cigretess so we shud git eckstra rites like a place to smoke outdoars if we want ta."

You are an employee of BD? Please say you are not a graduate of CHS. I think you may be an example of what smoking does to the human brain.

I am an English Teacher and in your whole post only 13 out of 24 spelled and or used correctly. OUCH! You scare me. BD's should get you some help.

Actually, my job required me to walk the halls and enter many departments during the day. But oh yes, I did go to the break room too.

One of the most enlightning traditions was the banquets being served in the departments for each employee's birthday, an employee's promotion, when someone left - and each and every holiday. You name it - there was a reason. Of course, every employee took extra time to set up their spread and that wasn't on their own time. Then, there was the clean up. Usually happened about 15 minutes before closing time. The practice was so involved that the departments would split the days so there were 2 days of festivities for each holiday. It was munch, munch, munch all day long. Then, of course, the next department had something really yummy so there was the migration to check that out. Hey, it was to boost moral!! No big deal but self righteousness as a rule reflects something that just isn't true. If you work there, you know.

That's just the obvious....... How about the forwarded emails being received with the origin being - guess where........ Noticed you didn't mention the walking breaks. Say that isn't so..... It takes 15 minutes to get the gang organized for break say nothing of being clear down by the Evans building or the old Hinky Dinky store. Check it out from about 10 am until about 3 pm.

I can think of chain smokers that had the highest degrees and were the most influentual in the organization. - Non smokers sitting at their desk working while others are outside smoking - ! Hogwash!

Old lesson learned, pointing fingers just isn't a good idea unless you don't mind a finger reversing the direction.

Geez lady, he was making a joke. Lighten Up. For an English teacher "ud thynk ud hav sum cents uv humer" Guess not.