Cincinnati firm latest to stop hiring smokers

A Cincinnati insurance and financial services company is the latest of a small but growing group of employers that will no longer hire smokers (Source: “Some firms won't hire smokers,” Cincinnati Enquirer, Oct. 22, 2008).

USI announced that all new hires will be tested for nicotine and will only be hired if they agree to participate in a smoking cessation program.

"We decided not to hire smokers because they add additional expense to our health plan and our ongoing operation," said Dennis Curran, chief human resources officer for USI's Midwestern region.

Other Ohio companies that have a policy against hiring smokers include Scotts Miracle-Gro, the Cleveland Clinic and the Hamilton County Public Health agency.