Employee Health: South Carolina
Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.
Author: Theresa Rogers
Summary
- South Carolina law prohibits personnel action based on the use of tobacco products outside the workplace. See Workplace Smoking Policies.
- South Carolina has a Good Samaritan Law. See Good Samaritan Law.
Smoking in the Workplace
Tobacco Use
Employers are prohibited from taking any personnel action, including but not limited to demotion, termination or promotion of an employee based on the use of tobacco products outside the workplace. +S.C. CODE ANN. § 41-1-85.
Workplace Smoking Policies
There are no laws in South Carolina specifically addressing smoking in the workplace. However, some localities have implemented regulations limiting smoking in public places. Employers are not required to provide smoking areas or other accommodations for employees.
E-Cigarettes
Although there is no statewide e-cigarette or smoking ban in South Carolina, a number of municipalities do prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in all enclosed workplaces.
Good Samaritan Law
Any person acting in good faith who renders emergency care is not liable for civil damages due to personal injury because of rendering such care in South Carolina, nor held liable for any act or failure to provide for additional medical care for an injured person. +S.C. CODE ANN. § 15-1-310.
Future Developments
There are no future developments to report at this time. Continue to check XpertHR regularly for the latest information on this and other topics.
