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In Singapore, a growing number of companies are enforcing bans on vaping in the workplace to comply with the nation's strict laws against the practice. These measures range from zero-tolerance policies and disciplinary actions, to internal monitoring and reminders about designated smoking areas.
One of the key enforcement practices is a zero-tolerance approach, with organizations like EtonHouse specifying vaping as grounds for termination, in line with Singapore's laws. Other companies, such as Busy Bees, Red Crowns Senior Living, and food and beverage outlets, prohibit vaping on their premises and remind staff to use designated smoking zones for traditional smoking only.
Some companies rely on employees to report violations internally, though fear of retaliation exists. Advice is given that workers can report offenders anonymously to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). Public agencies and banks, including the Public Service Division and OCBC, impose internal disciplinary actions on officers and employees caught vaping, in addition to penalties from the authorities.
These workplace policies reflect Singapore's firm legal framework, where vaping is illegal under the Tobacco Act, carrying fines, imprisonment, or both for possession and use. The government has also increased its enforcement efforts, with recent escalations to jail penalties for serious offenses. The Health Sciences Authority supports companies by providing "No Vaping" signage and actively policing online sales to uphold the national ban.
However, enforcement across workplaces remains uneven. Some senior personnel are reported to vape openly indoors, which undermines compliance among staff. The Ministry of Manpower advises companies to embed vaping bans firmly into their HR policies and disciplinary frameworks to bolster effectiveness.
Industry groups, such as the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Singapore National Employers Federation, have urged members to review their handbooks and align their workplace rules with national efforts. Despite these efforts, some companies continue to struggle with staff who continue to vape despite counseling.
Concerns have been raised about the inconsistency in enforcement, with some employees reporting managers who vape during video calls. An employee named Lim expressed concern that if top management vapes indoors, others may do so without fear of consequence. Another communications professional said her "biggest boss" frequently vaped indoors.
International education group EtonHouse has codified its stance against vaping, with disciplinary action including termination in its employee handbook. Despite these measures, the challenge of enforcing vaping bans in the workplace remains a complex issue in Singapore.
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