Quit Smoking, or You're Fired!

That's what Scotts Miracle-Gro is telling its employees. If they don't quit smoking by October 2006, they'll lose their jobs. The lawn and garden company is trying to keep health insurance costs down by promoting healthy lifestyles for its employees.

Its chairman and chief executive, James Hagedorn, said the company shouldn't have to shoulder health risks for employees who smoke. It pays for 75 percent of employees' health insurance.
The Ohio-based company has 6,000 employees. It said it can fire smokers legally in 21 states.
Workers who smoke can get free counseling, nicotine patches and classes on quitting.