Our Nanny State Takes On Truckers
Ontario man fined $305 for smoking in workplace – his truck.
TORONTO — An Ontario truck driver has been fined $305 for smoking in the rig of a tractor-trailer because it is considered a workplace.
Provincial police pulled over a truck on Highway 401 near Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday when the driver was seen smoking. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act adopted in 2006 prohibits smoking in enclosed workplaces and public areas, such as bars and restaurants.
Neil MacKenzie, the manager of tobacco programs for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, said even a farmer’s enclosed tractor would be considered a work environment.
“Technically, that would be the workplace and it’d be an enclosed work environment,” he said.
“Whether or not you have the sunroof open or windows down … it’s an enclosed workplace and you’re prohibited from smoking in that vehicle.”
MacKenzie added, however, that no one would march into a field and fine a farmer for smoking in an enclosed tractor.
“Before we take any radical action on it, we’d confirm with the Ministry of Health whether there’s precedent,” he said.
“We’d make sure the farmer understood requirements and give the opportunity for full compliance.”
Good to know they are looking after us.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:37 am
The so called ” conservative ” ( and I use the term conservative very loosely ) government in Alberta has passed the same law . I love goin in to a bar or restaurant listenin to them bitching and none of them voted in last 30 years .
October 8th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Well Mr. Mackenzie, that tractor is my property and if you think you can come on my property and tell me I can’t smoke it it, I hope you can outrun it then.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Be careful , Mark , how you say things or they’ll be considering your tractor a deadly weapon and coming for it and anything else that might fit the dscription .
October 8th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Why do we put up with this crap ?! I’m not a smoker, but for goodness sakes, the man is in HIS truck by HIMSELF !!! How retarded is our government?
October 9th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Well , Harry , people have been voting conservative in Alberta because some of them actually believe Stelmach’s party is conservative . Now we’re getting a consevative alternative .