Ocean Springs Bans Smoking For City Employees

City employees in Ocean Springs will no longer be able to use tobacco on the job, but as MPB’s Phoebe Judge that new ban will help bring down the cost of health insurance.

The tobacco free workplace ordinance will go into effect on October 1st for all of Ocean Springs 215 municipal employees. The new restrictions require city employees to refrain from using any tobacco product during working hours, no matter where they are, inside or outside. Mindy McDowell, human resources manager for Ocean Springs says along with being interested in protecting employees health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi has agreed to reduce the cities insurance rates by $30,000 dollars.

“It makes a big difference in our bottom line. If we have employees that quit using tobacco products they will not have as many healthcare costs. So not only is it a 3 percent savings this year, but overtime hopefully there will be a reduction in illnesses.”

Along with the 3% savings, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi is also providing a 3 month smoking cessation program at no cost to any interested employee. Overall, Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran says city employees are accepting the new ban, but she says it is drawing attention from the public,

“I’ve heard from some people out of state who say we do not have the right to keep them from smoking, but this does not pertain to anyone else.”

Mississippi College of Law professor Matt Steffy,

“While this does seem a little heavy handed in terms of its infringement on personal liberty, there is no fundamental right to smoke as there is with speech or religion. Absent a fundamental right it is not clear to me on what basis an employee could object.”

City employees will still be allowed to use tobacco products during their lunch breaks and while they are off the clock.