Smokin'

As a smoker I'm a bit biased when it comes to anti-smoking issues. Sure I should quit but that's my decision, not anyone else's. So you can imagine this article from USA Today made me pissed off enough to go light one up:

More companies are taking action against employees who smoke off-duty, and, in an extreme trend that some call troubling, some are now firing or banning the hiring of workers who light up even on their own time.

The articles cites a few examples of companies that have you-must-never-ever-smoke policies:

Weyco, a medical benefits provider based in Okemos, Mich., this year banned employees from smoking on their own time. Employees must submit to random tests that detect if someone has smoked. They must also agree to searches of briefcases, purses or other belongings if company officials suspect tobacco or other banned substances have been brought on-site. Those who smoke may be suspended or fired.

Not a smoker? Don't really care what happens to people who smoke because it doesn't affect you? You might want to start paying attention:

And legal experts fear companies will try to control other aspects of employees' off-duty lifestyle, a trend that is already happening. Some companies are firing, suspending or charging higher insurance premiums to workers who are overweight, have high cholesterol or participate in risky activities.

That's some fucked up stuff - insurance companies are basically telling companies who they can and can't hire based on the possibility that they might one day get sick. Will Gattaca-style DNA tests be next?