Should employers be allowed to discriminate against smokers
By Steve Helmer
@srhelmer (7029)
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
October 24, 2006 8:26am CST
With the cost of health insurance rising for businesses, do you think they should be allowed to not hire someone on the basis they are a smoker (which can be determined by a pre-employment screening, similiar to a drug test) since they are likely to have more health problems.
I think they should.
4 responses
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
13 Nov 06
It would depend on what the Job entails. If it is working with patients, I think they need to Practice what they Preach or not be in that field. But for most jobs, I think Smoking should not play a factor, including Health insurance. Just wish it could be enforced a little more on how long a Smoke break should be, and to make sure they are the length away they really need to be.
@srhelmer (7029)
• Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
14 Nov 06
Some points employers who are considering this make.
1. Smokers get sick more often and that hurts productivity.
2. Smokers typically take more breaks during the day, also hurting productivity.
@jonathanmorley (118)
• United States
13 Nov 06
Sure! Smokers are walking health hazards. Smokers live shorter lives and are killing brain cells. How can either be attributed to a positive work environment? They can't.
