Michigan Laws on Smoking in the Workplace

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

Michigan statutes don’t specifically address smoking in private workplaces. Local laws that regulate smoking in public -- at the city, county, or town level -- may also apply to smoking in the workplace in some areas. And keep in mind that Michigan laws may already specifically prohibit smoking in certain types of businesses operated by the employer (such as a hospital or a restaurant). These laws apply to employees as well as patrons or customers of the business.

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

Michigan laws don’t address the specific areas of a workplace where smoking may be prohibited or permitted. Remember that some workplaces might already be subject to Michigan or local laws that regulate smoking in public, or smoking in or around certain kinds of businesses.

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

Michigan does not require employers to create designated smoking areas or provide other accommodations for smokers in the workplace.

Does Michigan require employers to make accommodations for nonsmokers?

Michigan 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 Michigan?

Michigan laws don’t address employer policies on smoking in the workplace. Local laws regulating smoking -- at the city, county, or town level -- may require employers to have a policy on smoking in some areas. And even though it’s not required by law in Michigan, employers are generally free to adopt policies on smoking in the workplace if they choose to.

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

Michigan 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 Michigan law information on smoking in the workplace?

Michigan laws don't currently address smoking in the workplace, but you can find additional information on workplace smoking laws in Nolo's books Your Rights in the Workplace, by Barbara Repa (Nolo) and The Employer's Legal Handbook, by Fred Steingold (Nolo).