Rank: Guest 
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A social worker supports a person in their own home. The residence is the social workers place of work. The resident smokes.
I always thought that the smoking ban applied in this case whilst the social worker is in the person's home.
Our policy clearly states that all residents will refrain from smoking before and during a visit by our social workers - some residents flout this policy even they they are constantly reminded:
An employee has quoted the under mentioned web site at me and and now I don't know what to do.
www.worksmart.og.uk/health/i am a care worker how should'
Any advice most welcome
Rich
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Rank: Guest
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Its a private residence perhaps an idea would be to report HMRC (as they are benefitting millions from this) to the HSE and see how far you get.
Alternatively the social worker could of course refuse to work in the premises if the resident smokes.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rich777 wrote:
Our policy clearly states that all residents will refrain from smoking before and during a visit
You need to review that (unworkable) "policy".
In any event, try it with a housebound heavy smoker - the fact they don't light up whilst you're there makes not a jot of difference.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Ron
Not quite sure where you get your reference materials from to make that statement...I understand the point you make.
Rich
I have used this as reference and guidance not perfect but might help..if you need any more please let me know.
http://www.rcn.org.uk/__...le/0006/78702/003043.pdf
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Rank: Super forum user
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Smoking law does not apply to private homes and I would advise that you take note of Ron's comments and look to manage your policy in a more practicable way to account for private homes
Individual staff can withdraw but their employer ( NHS etc.) still owes duties to patents etc. so the employers policies and procedures need to address the reality of managing private people in their own private homes and this is where 'what is reasonable in the circumstances' comes in e.g. only send smokers to clients that smoke is a reasonable adjustment however that sort of action requires proper managing activities
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Steve. I get my information (inter alia) from real-life situations. Housebound pensioners aren't likely to suffer open windows etc. - they really feel the cold. There are no "smoke free" rooms in a dwelling with all the doors open to allow unrestricted access to those with mobility problems.
In the home of a chain smoker (many of whom awake regularly through the night for a smoke) there is a constant fug. Even if it were possible for the smoker, an hour or so without lighting up means little or no difference to the 24/7 quality of the air!
From Appendix 1 of Steve's referenced document: (Important information for people receiving home care visits)
"If a smoke free environment cannot be provided, a risk assessment will be required in order to reduce risk to a level that is as far as is reasonably practicable."
You have to laugh, don't you?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Think I also should have been quoted as originally agreeing with you...but thanks........... how many housebound chain smoking pensioners have you attended this week/month? In reality probably zero..
Laugh...not really just shake my head and step back into the shadows hanging my head in shame in the realisation I am associated with such 'safety professionals'
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Rank: Forum user
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its all about workability, an englishmans home and all that. we have had to try to manage this situation now for years with over 2500 home care staff alone its no small issue.we ask that they refrain from smoking for 20 mins before staff attend and whilst they are in attendance. however this depends largely on good will. if they refuse then its a problem because we have a duty of care. where possible we try to place staff who smoke in these environments not because they are likely to spark up, but they are usually a little more tolerent of the smell etc. and then you are down to staff rotation to reduce exposure and all those creative control measures. It becomes more interesting when they are also on oxygen with the fag on. oh the joys of working with people.
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user
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All meant in as light-hearted banter Steve - it doesn't do to take yourself too seriously on this Forum!
I speak from experience in the context of looking after a relative, not as a professional carer -a vocation I hold in high regard.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I was under the impression Fags burnt super fast in a oxygen rich atmosphere ;-)
........... I don't envy you folks at all, dealing with underserving clients and whiney employees.
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