Irish drivers choked as HSA bans sparking up in the cab
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TRUCK DRIVERS in Ireland will be banned from having a fag in the cab when a new Irish law comes into force on 29 March.
A workplace smoking ban will come into effect for all workplaces from that date, and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has confirmed a van or truck constitutes a workplace, so smoking is not allowed in them. However, smoking in an open space is allowed. But, the IRHA says such a restriction will not work for drivers who are smokers and whose nerves are already frayed from pressure of the job. In a statement the IRHA says: "It is ridiculous to expect smokers not to smoke in their vehicles and even more ridiculous to have them looking over their shoulders waiting to be caught while driving. A ban on smoking in commercial vehicles would cause chaos on the roac would not be enforceable, and is push too far on drivers."
The IRHA says it believl the new regulations could ha) road safety implications causir a greater hazard than exernptit the vehicles. HSA inspectors w enforce the ban as part of the normal inspection duties.
• An official website www.smokeficcatworkie