Kansas Laws on Smoking in the Workplace

What kinds of workplaces are subject to Kansas workplace smoking laws?

Workplace smoking laws apply to any enclosed workplace.

In Kansas, in what parts of the workplace is smoking prohibited? Where is smoking permitted?

Smoking is prohibited anywhere other than designated smoking areas. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas.

What are the requirements for designated smoking areas in Kansas workplaces?

In Kansas, smoking areas must have existing barriers and ventilation systems to minimize the toxic effect of smoke in nonsmoking areas.

Does Kansas require employers to make accommodations for nonsmokers?

Kansas doesn’t specifically require employers to provide workplace accommodations for nonsmoker employees.

Are employers required to have a written or oral policy on workplace smoking in Kansas?

Kansas employers must have a written policy prohibiting smoking without exception in all areas of employment. The policy shall be communicated to all current employees within one week of its adoption and to all new employees upon hiring. The written policy should be available upon request.

Does Kansas provide employees with protection from smoking-related discrimination?

Kansas does not have a law protecting smokers from discrimination, nor does it have a law protecting employees from discipline or discharge based on their off-duty conduct generally.

Where can I find Kansas law information on smoking in the workplace?

If you want to go right to the source and look up Kansas law on workplace smoking laws -- or if you're writing a letter to your employer or employee and want to cite the applicable law -- the relevant statute(s) can be found at Kan. Stat. Ann. Sections 21-4009 to 21-4011. Workplace smoking information is also available in Nolo's books Your Rights in the Workplace, by Barbara Repa (Nolo) and The Employer's Legal Handbook, by Fred Steingold (Nolo).