Workplace smoking now taboo in New Zealand.

Aworkplace smoking ban took effect in New Zealand on Dec. 10, 2004, 12 months after it was approved by lawmakers who studied and debated the issue for three years.

New Zealand joins Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and a handful of other nations in enacting a workplace smoking ban, which is supported by more than 90 percent of New Zealanders, including 83 percent of smokers. The tourism and hospitality industries, initially skeptical of the clean-air mandate, agreed to drop their opposition after a study found that most visitors to New Zealand come from countries that already have national or local bans in place or discourage workplace smoking.

Under the new law, all "internal workplaces," such as factories, offices, and warehouses, are to be 100 percent smoke-free. Employers must take "all reasonably practicable steps" to prevent smoking in internal areas, which include cafeterias, corridors, elevators, stairwells, and restrooms. Reasonably practicable steps might include the following:

* Displaying "No Smoking" signs in the workplace;

* Training managers and supervisors bow to respond if someone smokes in the workplace; and

* Referencing the smoke-free policy in recruiting materials and employment manuals.

Health officials expect the smoking ban will benefit employers and employees by cutting down on sickness and absenteeism, lowering insurance costs, making it easier for casinos and restaurants to recruit and retain workers, and indirectly encouraging more people to patronize such establishments.