I discussion has developed about smoking by the side of a vehicle. Yes, I know it is illegal to smoke in a vehicle, but what about when our guys get out of the vehicle, logoed up in workwear bearing the companys name. Are they at work or not?

That would be an internal policy matter, and one difficult to apply. If (as is usually the case) office workers are permitted to nip out for a fag (with the attendant corporate "image" problems, visitors running the gauntlet at your front door, etc.) then why not everyone else in your employ?

Is it Friday yet???

It really is an internal matter. I would not be happy if I saw one of our drivers having a smoke stood next to his vehicle, and my MD would probably sack the driver on the spot if he saw it As it happens I saw a driver in one of our vehicles having a smoke yesterday. He saw me and immediately threw his fag out of the window. I stopped next to him at the next set of lights and told him in no uncertain terms that he was lucky i caught him and that if I saw him again, I would report it to the MD. He was very sheepish in the yard today. Dave

Peter, Given the situation you describe it's not a H&S issue, but more one of corporate image, so I would leave this one with your HR colleagues & take a big step back! As an aside (but could be relevant), I have just read an article where a Manchester City supporter was ejected from the ground for smoking an electronic cigarette & has had his season ticket withdrawn, so you may have to give some form of "H&S" advice to your employer on this topic!! Zyggy