Ask Dr. Mitch-Smoking

Dear Dr. Mitch, I am a Dancer in a Strip Club where they still smoke cigarettes indoors, and the entire place is filled with smoke. Each time I take the stage, it seems worse! I had asthma as a child and second hand smoke has always affected me badly. We don't have a union, but I know I have some workers rights, what can I do Dr. Mitch? I'm of course afraid to speak out for fear that I'll loose the job, and it's the only thing paying my tuition these days. But I stink like smoke, it's in my hair, my clothes, and I cough for hours after work. I know that it's against the State Law, but they pride themselves on being "so underground that folks can still drink, smoke and look at pussy". They feel that if they enforce the law, they will loose customers. I can't afford to loose this job Dr. Mitch... help!
Signed,

Smokie Stover

My Dear Smokie, I'm very distressed to hear that! In fact a study done by the CDC a few years ago found that the cases of Tuberculosis were steadily on the rise in strip clubs across the Country! Since then, most States have banned the smoking from indoors particularly in restaurants and bars. However, there apparently are still some places who still wish to put others health at risk. Fact is, even though your Club has exceptions to the non smoking rule, you are an employee, and at risk for a variety of diseases. This is commonly known as a health and safety issue. You should have postings for your State OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health) by law, every establishment must have these postings. It's probably something that you look at every day and it is in the employee dressing room, or kitchen area. You can make a complaint that your health is at risk, by calling the number on the posting. You can do so anonymously, and OSHA will come out and investigate the complaint. Your employer need never know where it came from, but may not be willing to continue to pay fines for putting your health at risk. I'm willing to bet that other employees feel the same way and they too should call. This will get the investigation moving. Also, it sounds as if they are the only place that is still allowing smoking, so what are they afraid of? The clients have no where else to go to "drink and look at pussy" that does allow smoking so where prey tell are they going to go? Home? I doubt it. Probably right outside by the ashtray! Take a deep breath and get on the phone! Love, Dr. Mitch