Construction industry lays foundation for smoking ban

Nine major construction bodies in Hong Kong have issued guidelines on the eve of a total smoking ban coming into force across all building sites, a move the trade said is designed to reduce fire hazards and safeguard worker health.

Thursday's unveiling of the industry-led framework, coordinated by the Hong Kong Construction Association, also came just one day after the Legislative Council endorsed the complete ban on smoking at building sites.

The new regulation takes effect on Friday with no grace period.

Under the legislation, individuals caught smoking face a fixed HK$3,000 penalty, while contractors could be fined up to HK$400,000 if they fail to take all reasonable steps to maintain smoke-free environments.

The timing of the ban comes less than a year after the deadly Wang Fuk Court inferno in Tai Po.

The newly established guidelines introduce a clear eight-pillar management system, covering everything from designated cigarette depositories and smart surveillance to smoking cessation support.

The trade said the framework represents a unified effort to foster a lasting smoke-free construction site culture.

Association president Simon Liu said the guidelines encompass various aspects such as policy development, training, publicity and inspections.

He noted that many sites have already implemented smoking bans, suggesting the transition should not be overly disruptive for workers.

"It won't be a big change for all of our members to implement these guidelines in the coming few weeks," Liu said.

"We will help workers by allowing them to store their cigarette and lighters at entrances to construction sites.

“If he or she really needs to smoke, he or she can go out to the site's boundary to take a short rest and just smoke."

Contractors are urged to establish comprehensive smoking management systems that include prominently displayed no-smoking policies, induction training for all new workers, and ongoing safety reminders through toolbox talks and morning briefings.

The industry leaders said the guidelines offer tailored approaches.

Contractors are advised to clearly demarcate no-smoking boundaries using fencing, plans or notices, and pay attention to sites without clear entrances or hoardings to prevent workers or the public from inadvertently straying into restricted areas.

Workers should deposit cigarettes, lighters and matches into labelled transparent bags at site entrances, retrieving them only when leaving.

High-risk locations – including fuel stores, welding zones, paint storage areas and temporary electrical installations – will require enhanced inspections and prominent no-smoking signage.

The guidelines also encourage the use of CCTV and smart surveillance technology to assist enforcement, while smaller renovation works can rely on more frequent patrols.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...