momkaes

Let me start by saying I smoke. I hate everything about it and am currently trying to quit once again. Not smoking in public places no problem, only allowing smoking at break or lunch again understandable, but to start firing people for personal habits outside of work is extreme. People don't understand the precedense{sp?}that is being set and that this may soon be on their doorstep. Obeseity is now the biggest health issue in our country and yes that affects all our insurance rates as well. I believe more kids are dangerously overweight than there are kids who smoke. I know someone who has had many pre cancers removed yet sits in the sun every chance possible. Also we all know people who have 4 or 5 drinks and still get in the car and drive. I know people will say I'm defending smoking, but Im defending my freedom weather its good or bad. I'm not obese, never drink and drive and use precautions in the sun why should I have to pay higher rates for that type of behavior? I always wonder, after the smokers are run out of town who will get picked on next. New rules at work-you must weigh less than X pounds, dont let anyone see you take a drink and get in a car, and never show up with a tan or you are fired. Sounds ridculous but it happening now just not with your vice.

MomofWildChild

Smoking affects those around you and pollutes our environment. Obesity, while a societal problem, doesn't affect others except on airplanes.

momkaes

I stated that I dont have a problem with restrictions in public places. My point is that if I dont smoke in the work place why should I get fired for doing it on my own time. The gist of the thread is that smokers cause insurance rates for all to go up. Now that obesity has surpassed smoking as our countrys number one health issue, and skin cancer has skyrocketed why shouldn't those people have to pay higher rates or get fired for their personal vices.

hops_scout

Our #1 health issue is cardiovascular disease (CVD) which can be attributed to both smoking and obesity.

emeraldkity4

Do we still subsidize tobacco growers?
I know that companies now import a lot of their tobacco, but I thought it was still important to the economy of several states.

I would be happy if no one smoked, but it does bother me that companies can fire you for doing something that is legal especially when it was not a condition of employment when you were hired.

momkaes

Emerald thankyou that was my point. Its a horrible habit, but where will this end?

emeraldkity4

hmm H is a specialist in the graphite resin composite that the 787 is made from and it sounds really toxic.
Since he has already made multiple complaints about the ventilation and the respirators, I'm wondering if Boeing decided that it was cheaper to lessen risk by getting rid of the smoking workers, rather than fix the ventilation and respirators.

scansmom

Actually, the same thing is already happening with obese employees, although as stated in this article:

How Employers Wage War On Workplace Obesity - Forbes.com

emeraldkity4

Obese people also effect those around them as they can't do the same jobs and have to take more breaks ( according to H)
But maybe if he quits smoking he will gain a few pounds, there is something not right about weighing what you did in high school.

ucsd_ucla_dad

^^ I assume you're talking about obese people in physical jobs.

I know some obese people who actually take fewer breaks, sometimes because it's more difficult for them to get around so they stay in their chairs and work. With the obese people I've worked with I haven't seen any evidence that they perform any less of a job than anyone else in a desk job. I've known some obese workers who are outstanding workers.

emeraldkity4

right H works in a factory manufacturing airplanes so it is very physical.
He climbs all over parts customizing installations- and some of the tools are heavy so the people that are overweight have less stamina and take longer to do their job.

ucsd_ucla_dad

^^ I imagine that would be a tough job for lots of people including those with arthritis, people with bum knees, those who just don't have the necessary strength, those who don't have the stamina, etc. Some jobs do have physical attributes required.

I'm still looking forward to flying in one of his planes (if he's working on the Dreamliner).

emeraldkity4

Mostly he does military stuff but built the prototype for the 787 ( he usually does special projects with composite materials)
I am looking forward to flying on it also, my last flight was on a turbo prop that had bad cabin pressure ( my ears popped the whole way and stuff exploded in my bag) and the engine sounded like crap- I am going to go big next time