Vaping colleague: problem

[northernstar0412]

Hi, I've been offered a permanent part-time job at a place where I've worked occasionally as a freelancer for some time.

The pay is good and it's a nice office, where I get on with everyone and the work is enjoyable. I've struggled financially for a while as a freelancer and this security, albeit part time, will really help.

I was there in recent days and a colleague was sitting across the desk from me vaping. I am asthmatic and I started to cough and it triggered a mild asthma attack. I still don't feel right today. This colleague was the person in charge for the night, and I didn't know what to say or do, so I just suffered in silence.

I rang a friend afterwards saying I was thinking about bailing out of the job offer because of this. He is not the big boss but the deputy supervisor and he is a really nice bloke and I get on with him well. I don't want to get him into trouble either or be the office "grass" and have everyone hate me!

My friend suggested talking to him about my health issue and saying that I would need to sit a reasonable distance away from him if he is vaping at his desk. She said this would be better than going straight to the more senior boss who's offered me the job and saying that this is an issue for me, as a starting point. Then if he carries on or I can't resolve it, to take the next step of telling the big boss.

I know for a fact that it is not company policy for people to vape inside the office but it seems to be tolerated in this department. I would be embarrassed to leave a job after a couple of months because of this.
What would you do?

Your friend's advice sounds very sensible, I'd do that.

I would just explain to him it affected your asthma, you can't control it, and you'd be grateful if he could organise another desk for you elsewhere in the office

Thanks Boom. She is a great mate and I rang her because I knew she'd have a sensible view of it and calm me down. I am really panicking about it as I've had loads of problems with my lungs.

Seriously?

"Sorry John, you've just given me an asthma attack. Can you use that elsewhere please? Cheers".

Interesting. I would have assumed that vaping would be banned from offices, but a quick Google tells me otherwise. Do you think that it is vaping in general that is the issue, or was it the particular "type" (some of them seem to be more offensive smelling than others)? I would definitely approach him about it. I doubt he'd want to risk you having an asthma attack!

Thanks Strangerthings. I'm not sure if his vaping is tolerated by everyone generally because everyone had left for the night and it was just me and him left. I haven't seen him do it when the office is busier. So perhaps he wouldn't go for the separate desk option because he's a sneaky vaper and this would bring it to everyone's attention! I need to find out what the situation is. But I like your suggestion and I'll ask for the separate desk come what may. As my friend said, if I do it nicely and respectfully there is no harm done.

worraliberty and areyoufree - sorry, I was posting so missed your answers. Thanks for your suggestions and yes, I don't think he'd want me to have an asthma attack.

I don't see why you have to pussy foot around a selfish bastard like this . Vaping in an office??? That is just awful.

Take it up with whom ever you like. Him first perhaps but go as high as you like.

Yes it's probably easier for him not to do it than organise a desk. I would definitely be honest, dont quit because of it. It's not your fault. I understand your new and dont want to rock the boat so start there first and see if he stops

Chamomiletea, I totally agree with you and previously in another dept (it is a huge company), someone was doing it and I just complained to the big boss straight away. But then I did not particularly get on with the person and I don't like working in that department so I wasn't that bothered.

However, I really want this job as the money will be a massive help and make a real difference, plus I get on well with everyone there and I have a good working relationship with the vaper, so it's a different situation than before. If I'd been there permanently for years, yes, I would rock the boat more!!!

Strangerthings - thanks!

I don't see why you have to pussy foot around a selfish bastard like this

No, me either, especially if it's company policy not to allow it. Don't be a doormat, OP. I know you need the money, but they need you too.

Yes just have a chat with him! He probably thinks you weren't bothered by it. If he knew it was making you poorly then (assuming he's a nice bloke) I'm sure he'd be happy to do it outside! It's perfectly reasonable of you to ask him! I would go for polite and friendly but straightforward.

I know in Ireland you can't smoke or vape in the workplace. I don't know if similar legislation is in place in the UK. Perhaps you could check that out.
Actually here you go - this might be of some use to you:
www.bmmagazine.co.uk/business/what-is-the-uks-legal-stance-on-vaping-in-the-workplace/

Well if the two of you get on and you have a good working relationship then just say something to him directly. Hey Dave do you mind not vaping too close to me because it aggravates my asthma. Thanks.

Chances are his response will be along the lines of Yeah course, sorry, didn't think.

No need to make an issue out of it unless he does.

northern what he is doing is illegal across the UK!

Report to your boss, to HR, to anyone you can think of, H+S in particular!

You may not want to get him / them into trouble but someone will!

Just report him to management. They can discipline or fire him as they see fit. He is putting them in a horrible position and they would be crazy not to stop him immediately.

Vaping shouldn’t be allowed indoors. It makes my eyes sting and covers the window with a weird fog that won’t go unless you wash it.

Very odd, he shouldn't be vaping in an office.

Crikey, I vape and I'd feel terrible if my actions caused you to have an asthma attack. I would tell him it's causing a problem to your health. If he carries on anyway then he's an arsehole who deserves to be reported.

Just tell him that his vape last night set your asthma off and you're still having trouble now.

Depending on how he reacts, then you can decide if any further action is needed.

Vaping isn't that much better than smoking with regard to the unpleasant atmosphere it causes for others. I'd speak to him and explain your health problem.

If he's reasonable he will understand. It would be better not to cause problems with your colleague if you can help it.

That article is badly wrong Watcha.

Point 5 suggests that even vaping must be considered under the same laws by which smoking was legally constricted on 1st July 2007, as well as England’s Health Act from 2006. This means that vaping in the workplace must be limited to outdoor areas as a result of the 2007 law, which makes it illegal to smoke in all enclosed workplace areas in England.

This could not be further from the legal position or from PHE's stance. Point 5 is:

5. Support compliance with smokefree law and policies

Maintain and support compliance with smokefree requirements by emphasising a clear distinction between smoking and vaping. Indicate accurately where vaping is permitted or prohibited, and communicate the policy clearly to everyone it affects.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-e-cigarettes-in-public-places-and-workplaces/e-cigarettes-in-public-places-and-workplaces-a-5-point-guide-to-policy-making

They got it so badly wrong it looks deliberate.

OP, Public Health England's policy guidance in this area might be a useful starting point for a discussion with your employer. They should have a clear policy in place so everyone knows where they stand and they should adjust this as necessary for the wellbeing of all the workforce. The longer PHE document says:

people with asthma and other respiratory conditions can be sensitive to a range of environmental irritants, which could include e-cigarette vapour. The interests of such individuals should be taken into account when developing policies and adjustments made where necessary

The full guidance is available here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-e-cigarettes-in-public-places-and-workplaces

As others have said though, as a first step you could just ask your colleague not to vape around you.

Same as GenderfreeJoe says .

I personally would not be vaping inside if somebody else was working with me . Just have a quiet word OP and explain it may have caused your asthma to show up . Any reasonable person would adjust their behaviour . Its probably as he is set in his ways having been on nights alone for however long
Good Luck

I also think your friends advise is good.

@CuriousaboutSamphire

northernwhat he is doing is illegal across the UK!

Is it? Under what law?