In 2011, 2,334 Nebraskans died from smoking-attributable causes. That’s 45 people a week — more than six people each and every day.

Businesses pay an average of $2,189 in workers’ compensation costs for smokers, compared with $176 for nonsmokers.

In 2011, there were 127 cigarette-related fires in Nebraska, resulting in total property loss of $4,185,480.

Nonsmoking employees are healthier, and healthier workers miss less work, are more productive and have lower health care costs.

Increase health insurance premiums for those who smoke or use other tobacco products. And/or offer nicotine replacement therapies (gum, patches, etc.) as a health insurance benefit.

Promote the free and confidential Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), QuitNow.ne.gov as a resource for employees.

Since 2009, indoor workplaces in Nebraska have been smoke-free. However, exposure to secondhand smoke can occur anywhere — indoors and outdoors. By establishing a tobacco-free campus policy, you’re telling your employees and customers that you care about their health and welfare. A tobacco-free campus policy also reduces your liability because disability claims based on secondhand smoke exposure are eliminated. It also takes care of tobacco litter that is oftentimes a turnoff to customers.