Legco approves total smoking ban at construction sites

The Legislative Council has endorsed a complete smoking ban at construction sites, which takes effect on Friday – with no grace period.

It carries a fixed penalty of HK$3,000 for anyone found smoking at construction sites, while contractors may face a fine of up to HK$400,000 if they fail to take all reasonable steps to make sure the sites are smoke-free.

Speaking in Legco, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said spot checks would be carried out.

“There will be no grace period or warning period. After the resolution is passed and gazetted on Friday, we will start the law enforcement,” he said.

“We will carry out enforcement by conducting surprise inspections, with no prior notice given. Our colleagues have received relevant training and will make good use of our existing manpower and resources to carry out the task.”

Sun added that the Labour Department could also carry out law enforcement based on photos or video footage purportedly showing smoking violations.

The minister also said contractors are responsible for the entire construction site, managing the behaviour of its employees as well as others entering the site such as delivery workers.

Sun also said setting designated smoking areas at construction sites runs counter to the legislative intent to lower fire risks.

A complete ban on smoking at construction sites should override considerations for workers who want to smoke, he said.

The ban took effect less than a year after the deadly Wang Fuk Court inferno.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...