@article {Keske250, author = {Robyn R Keske and Vaughan W Rees and Ilan Behm and Brianna M Wadler and Alan C Geller}, title = {Second-hand smoke exposure and mitigation strategies among home visitation workers}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {250--254}, year = {2013}, doi = {10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050133}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group Ltd}, abstract = {Objectives Protection of workers from second-hand smoke (SHS) in occupational settings is an important policy priority, yet little attention has been given to SHS protection for home visitation health workers, who number almost 2 million in the USA. Self-reported SHS exposure, SHS mitigation strategies and suggestions for further SHS exposure reduction approaches were obtained from home visitation health workers in Massachusetts. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Massachusetts Early Intervention workers (N=316) at their state-wide conference in April 2010. Results Eighty-three per cent of respondents reported at least 1 hour per month of SHS exposure, and 16\% reported at least 11 hours per month. Nevertheless, only 22\% of workers counselled clients on maintaining a smoke-free home. Fewer than 30\% of workers had ever voiced concerns to their employing agency, and just 12\% had raised their concerns directly with clients. Only 14\% stated that their agency had rules designed to protect workers from SHS. Conclusions SHS exposure occurs frequently among home visitation health workers. The data point to a substantial population who are not protected from SHS exposure by formal policies.}, issn = {0964-4563}, URL = {https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/22/4/250}, eprint = {https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/22/4/250.full.pdf}, journal = {Tobacco Control} }