Some companies don't hire smokers

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - More and more companies are refusing to hire people who smoke. The Massachusetts Hospital Association just announced they won't hire smokers starting in January of 2011. In Northampton, Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a policy that people they hire can't use tobacco.

Robert Kraceuer of Northampton told 22News "I think it's fair considering that smoke outside or near a hospital endangers patients so I think it's a good policy. It will probably force some people to quit."

Experts at "Action on Smoking and Health" say that an employee who smokes can cost a company more than ten thousand dollars a year because of lost productivity and health costs.

Still, some people 22News talked to said they think it's unfair. Siobhan Conz of Northampton said "I think it's slightly discriminatory. People should be able to lead the lifestyle they choose."

According to "Action on Smoking and Health," companies can choose to not hire smokers in Massachusetts. They said there are no laws in this state that prohibit it.