[Tobacco prevention in the workplace. Achievements and requirements]

Tobacco prevention in the workplace is a major area of action within the tobacco control measures, since a decisive impetus for social change can derive from the working environment. In 2002, the protection of non-smokers in the workplace became mandatory in Germany. Since then, the enforcement of the new law has been supported by a variety of organizations. However, recent surveys show that almost 20% of non-smoking employees are still exposed to tobacco smoke. Therefore, it is necessary to take stock regarding the enforcement of the law. For one million people who currently work in catering, the right for non-smokers' protection is limited as the law for non-smokers' protection at work includes an exception for bars and restaurants. Tobacco prevention in the workplace will not be complete until this exception does not apply anymore. Also, a general smoking ban in bars and restaurants would become constitutional through relevant laws. Whether the Bundesländer will agree on this ban is doubtful at the moment. The promotion of smoking cessation as a second decisive part in tobacco prevention in the workplace has not reached the desired importance in company measures. To increase the significance of smoking cessation in companies, further impetus is necessary.