Workers from several Atlantic City casinos have come forward with claims of a “poisonous” work environment due to secondhand smoke, sparking a lawsuit against their employers. The workers are alleging that they have been subjected to harmful levels of secondhand smoke while on the job, despite efforts from the state to regulate smoking in indoor public spaces.
The lawsuit, filed by a group of current and former employees from multiple casinos in Atlantic City, alleges that the casinos have failed to provide a safe and healthy work environment by allowing smoking on the premises. The workers claim that they have suffered from various health issues as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke, including respiratory problems, headaches, and exacerbated allergies.
One plaintiff, who has worked as a dealer at a prominent casino for over a decade, described the atmosphere as “toxic” and stated that the air quality in the casino is often so thick with smoke that it is difficult to breathe. Another worker, a cocktail waitress, recounted experiencing frequent headaches and nausea after her shifts due to the exposure to smoke.
The workers are seeking damages for their medical expenses and lost wages, as well as changes to the workplace policies to protect employees from secondhand smoke exposure. They are also calling for a ban on smoking in all indoor areas of the casinos.
In response to the lawsuit, the state of New Jersey has stressed the importance of the casinos in generating tax revenue for the state. In a statement, a spokesperson for the state emphasized the need to balance the health and safety of workers with the economic impact of the casinos, which contribute millions of dollars in taxes each year.
However, advocates for the workers argue that the casinos have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for their employees, regardless of financial considerations. They point to the increasing number of studies linking secondhand smoke exposure to serious health issues, including cancer and heart disease.
The lawsuit is still in its early stages, but the workers are hopeful that their claims will bring about meaningful change in the workplace policies of Atlantic City casinos. In the meantime, they continue to speak out about their experiences and push for improvements to protect their health and well-being.
