Legal Question in Employment Law in Virginia
Wondering if this is a legal thing for an employer to require us to do
Tobacco Risk Reduction Incentive program.
Last year, during open enrollment, we announced our 2007 tobacco use initiative as part of a continued commitment to the well-being of our employees. We all know that tobacco use is a significant risk factor in many chronic diseases. We also understand that removing this risk factor can have a significant positive impact on employees, their families, and the company.
The Tobacco Risk Reduction Incentive (TRRI) program provides both motivation and resources to covered employees (and their covered spouse) to assist in reducing one of the most significant health risk factors known.
The basics:
Beginning in 2007, all employees enrolled in the company medical benefits plan will make a Tobacco Risk Reduction Incentive payment of $30 per month through a $15 payroll deduction for each pay period that medical premiums are deducted. The TRRI payment is waived if you:
� Provide certification that you (and your covered spouse) do not currently use any tobacco products.
� Provide certification that you (and/or your covered spouse) use tobacco products and are actively engaged in a tobacco cessation program.
There are many methods people use to stop using
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Wondering if this is a legal thing for an employer to require us to do
Yes, it would appear quite legal as it is apparently applicable only to employees who are currently enrolled in the company's medical benefits program(a benefit which the employer is probably not even required to provide). Some employers have taken the whole issue of employee smoking much further than the employer described in this question by actually requiring all employees to stop smoking, even in their own homes, and firing those from their jobs who are unable or who simply refuse to comply.
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