BellaOnline Forums Career Business Coach Smoking & Work, What are my rights?

I currently work for my mothers husband. It is a small construction business. The only poeple who work in the office during the day are my mother, brother, 2 salesman, and I. My boss constantly somkes in his office, which is just next to ours, with the door open. Occasionally, he will smoke through out the entire office. It constantly smells through out the building and I am tired of it. Is this right, do I have any rights? He also smokes in his office while he is interviewing people. How can people get by doing this?

Montana,
Here is a link to "Workplace Smoking Rules in Montana" http://www.hrtools.com/pops/P98_05_5200_MT.asp
You may want to also contact your local chamber of commerce, town hall, or health dept for clarification if needed.

People get by doing this largely because they go unchecked. If you are bothered by the smoke (and in my opinion - who wouldn't be?), you should first consider having a respectful conversation with your boss about the issue. That being said, since this is your family, you may want to weigh the emotional cost of raising the issue with what you are likely to gain. What would you do if the behavior doesn't change upon your request or if you pursued the legal route to resolve the issue? Is seeking employment elsewhere an option for you? (I am not advocating that you cave in on the issue - just pointing out some factors worth considering).

That's all - I thought I'd add my two cents since my area of expertise is in Human Resources Management in addition to career coaching..I hope this information serves you well.

Karen

I hardly think going the legal route is an option. Thats not a way to solve something within the family - at least in my family.

I say be playfull about it. Try to get a grumpy picture of him smoking and make a "WANTED" poster asking for people to sign a petition. Try your best not to be serious or critical. Maybe put a funny sign on his door? Most smokers are curtious and will make an effort to blow the smoke the other way. However, if you get [censored] about it, they will light up and blow it in your face just to spite you. I know, Im a smoker.