So here in the state of ND, it is against the law to smoke in the workplace. Unfortunately, being that we are out on a drilling rig, some people think its ok to chain smoke inside our work trailers. I am not a smoker, the smell disgusts me, not to mention the headaches, sore throat, etc. from being in a constant smoke filled environment. I am fed up with it and don't have to put up with it any more. Most other companies that do similar business have a strict non-smoking policy inside the work trailers. Mine does not, but nothing has been done, as of yet, as far as enforcing the law.

I know I need to go through my boss first, even though I am certain he will do nothing about it, before I approach HR. But I am having a hard time coming up with wording saying basically, I am going to invoke my state given right to a smoke free work-place. And if nothing is done I will contact both HR and the state.

I am really at the point where if something isn't done I will quit and go to work for another company. I have windows open, and its still worse than most bars.

So, fellow F150onliners, a little help writing a civil email would be appreciated. I'm just too fed up, and everything I've written comes off sounding as pissed as I really am.

 

Well, I think that I'd be short and sweet. It is the law. They are violating the law by allowing people to smoke.

It's the same situation where I work. It's against the law but people still smoke. The problem I have is, I work for a family company. I'm also a former pack a day smoker and still smoke a few when I'm hanging out with my friends having a few beers, one day a week. I'm not going to say anything about the smoking where I work, but you should where you work.

 

You cannot smoke inside any public place here in Illinois.

 

It sucks if u have to put up with it, no non smoker should be "forced" to inhale smoke. I don't smoke & I don't like it, waste of money (its money up in smoke literally) not to mention what it can do to your health etc. U stick up for yr rights!!

 

You may want to contact the below link for advice... perhaps email your mgr the signage... bottom line, it's against the law.... just be sure to document all your correspondence ie, use email....

http://www.ndhealth.gov/tobacco/posters.htm

 

This is the best route. Do not interject any additional items if you go this route, no need to point out coworkers names or add in personal dislike of smoking ( it is the law you want enforced, not your personal opinions - so don't add them ).

Might want to start with your coworkers 1st.
Ask them not to smoke in the trailer, mention the headaches, sore throat, etc. from being in a constant smoke filled environment.
Make it non-confrontational, no need to quote state laws.
You are asking them to stop.

It might go a lot further starting with trying to resolve the issue direct with the people that are causing it.

If it falls on deaf ears, next is contacting your boss. The email would be along the lines of :

No need to name names, it is happening and it does not matter to you who is doing it, it is the state law that you want addressed as a whole ( no smoking inside ). At this point, no need to mention the impact to you ( headaches, sore throat, etc. ), again it is the law, does not matter.

If this fails to stop the problem ( and you are good with the work environment impact it can have ), time to contact HR.

In the HR email :
No names of the ones violating the state law, the name of your boss, is to let HR know you contacted him about it, with no change ( kind of calling him out for not doing his job, but that is why someone would contact HR ).

Easy enough, again as long as you understand what this will do with the work environment, your coworkers might not be too happy with it, and take it out on you if they are that type.

Tell the guys to pull up their flower print panties and pull their dress down, and go outside to smoke.

3 of the states I cover ( IL, WI, MI ) are non smoking states ( like CA - Hotels included ) and we have to go outside to smoke.
This includes the UP. If a soft office worker like me can do it ( and the women I see in downtown Chicago in a skirt in JAN doing it ) , I think guys that work on oil rigs can do it.

 

Bottom line, it's against the law for a reason. Here, you have to be about 15ft from any entry door, no smoking inside obviously, and you can't in your car with kids either. Truckers cannot smoke in their own trucks because it is considered a workplace as well. Work your way up the chain, no one should have to be subjected to this involuntarily. I smoked but hated doing it inside or in the car with the window up. It's common courtesy not to around people who don't besides being illegal.

 

I've been working rigs for just about 6 years now. I know the ins and outs, the dos and don'ts. I know the laws and the unwritten rules of the patch.

My advise to the OP start looking for a new job. You go to the head office bitching about the guys smoking they are gonna run you off. Push might even put you in for a transfer to another rig, but word travels fast and you will be run off that rig as well.

 

I'm betting the same, they'll get rid of yuh.

 

In fact, I think you give them the right to get rid of you without cause. It's usually in the paperwork when you hire on. And that's what they'll do lol.

 

When you start with a new company they usually have a 3 month probation where they can let you go for any reason like most companies. Then the tool push puts on your file which he sends to the office why he let you go. All he is gonna right is NFG. Just like you write on a piece of casing you can't get the drift through. Or the consultant wont like that you are stirring the pot and he will tell the tool push that you have to go or the whole rig is skidded. Guess what you are done. Thats it. Trust me no rig hand will get the better of an oil company or drilling rig contractor.

You are expendable buddy. Sorry to say it but there is another kid out there working at walmart or burger king waiting for his phone call to go out there and have his opportunity.

You want my advise to survive the oil patch? Work hard, save your money, and KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN

 

Sardine and onion sandwiches is what my mom would recommend but any strong smelling food will also work. Put it in the fridge and it will bleed over to their lunches. Then after you eat throw it in the nearest (to them) trash can and the smell will also drive them nuts and they wont want to be inside while they are smoking.
Then come to an agreement. If they dont like it they can go outside. Then back to regular foods when they smoke outside.

Train them just like you would a raccoon or other pest.

 

I say get over it and work, its not like your in a office for petes sake you are working in a oil field i say man up or girl out.... Light one up with them or simply go outside of the trailer, you are out numbered here...

 

I am not a roughneck. Toolpusher has nothing on me. I couldn't care less about the rig rats and what they want/don't want. They want to smoke on the rig, in their shack, good for them. Not my problem. I'm currently MWD, and have had offers to go DD.

You say I'm expendable? Lol... I couldn't care less. This just in they are begging anyone to come in and work and still can't find enough people. There aren't young kids working at walmart / mcd's waiting to take my job because if they wanted a job out here they'd have it. There are over 2000+ unfilled jobs out here, with more on the way. They are even bringing walmart employees in from all over the country. Fast food workers are coming in from China and Russia.

I know the oil patch, been around it all my life. Worked in it quite a bit. Family has quite some pull around here.

Side note, when I came to work with this company I brought over about 8-9 jobs with me, my employer is trying to find manpower and tools to supply them all. Its the common problem around here. I know those jobs walk out the door with me, and they know it too. I've got a few other companies sending me emails pretty regularly asking me to come to work.

I don't need this job. I like it, I stay here because I like the pay. I like the benefits. The company treats me well, and for the most part the co-workers are pretty decent. But, I'd have a job doing the same thing with one of the bigger companies that enforces the law within minutes of leaving location.

I don't need a lecture on how the oilfield works, been here, done this all my life. Thanks though.

 

It is an office....