Move on to butt out at Ottawa construction sites

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Construction sites have long been a hotbed for tobacco use.

As tighter smoking regulations now prohibit lighting up in most public spaces — including patios, parks and beaches — construction sites are one of the last work environments where smoking is still common and allowed.

A provincially-funded program run through Ottawa Public Health is looking to change that by bringing smoking cessation help directly to the work sites.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term care put in $105,000 for the 18-month program, which was piloted in Ottawa at an EllisDon worksite.

The company on Friday received recognition in the form of a Smoke-Free Champion certificate for their efforts.

The site just wrapped up a Quit n’ Win contest where 20-year smoker Jamie Simard was one of two construction workers singled out for their efforts.

Simard last smoked two days ago, but said he had to start somewhere.

The availability of free nicotine patches and access to counselling services has gone a long way in helping Simard and some of his colleagues ditch the habit.

“You see your other workers (quitting) and it’s kind of like friendly competition,” he said.

Despite the prevalence of smoking in the construction business, it is estimated that smoking rates in the industry are at least double the national average, Simard believes a change of culture is possible.

“You used to be able to smoke in restaurants and they got rid of that,” he said.

Now, the idea of smoking in certain places seems wrong to most, and Simard believes that attitude could shift to construction sites.

The provincial investment is very low considering the health care costs associated with smoking amount to about $40-million a year in Ottawa alone.

Public Health has now visited 15 construction sites to offer the same help to workers.

“We meet with the workers, anyone who wants to quit identifies themselves,” said medical officer of health Dr. Isra Levy.

Through partnerships with the Canadian Cancer Society and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), public health can offer a variety of services.

“We’re able to provide nicotine replacement therapy support, without that costing us anything,” Levy said.

There’s also a 24/7 hotline for workers who need a bit of extra help butting out.

In Ottawa, smoking is responsible for almost 1,000 deaths per year and an estimated 2,900 acute hospitalizations annually.

chris.hofley@sunmedia.ca

@chrishofley

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