Smoking ban on construction sites takes effect; 194 sites inspected

A total smoking ban on construction sites takes effect today.

The Labour Department inspected 194 construction sites and issued eight fixed penalty notices for smoking offences, while contractors and workers are imposing measures to adapt to the ban.

It also issued two improvement notices to contractors for failing to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no one smoked on site, and plans to initiate one prosecution.

The department also issued 57 written warnings or advisory notices and gave 43 verbal warnings or recommendations over compliance with smoking bans at construction sites.

Anyone who smokes on a construction site is subject to a fine of 3,000 dollars.

Contractors also have a duty to ensure that no one smokes on site. Those who fail to do so may face a maximum fine of 400,000 dollars.

The government's enforcement starts today, including surprise inspections on construction sites, with no grace period granted.

Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui visits a site in To Kwa Wan to inspect the smoking ban.

Commissioner for Labour SAM HUI: "This morning we inspect through surprise inspections a total number of 58 construction sites, in which we have issued at least one fixed penalty. And this enforcement issue will carry on as our regular work in the context of the overall responsibility of the Labour Department in safeguarding occupational safety in construction sites."

Meanwhile, many construction sites post notices and display electronic signs at entrances.

Some sites impose more preventing measures, including requiring workers to deposit cigarettes and lighters, conducting pre-entry backpack checks, and setting thermal imaging monitors within the site.

This worker says the surveillance leaves no blind spots, and they are seeking alternatives, hoping to start by giving up buying cigarettes.

Industry insiders consider the first-day enforcement reasonable, yet express concern that relying completely on manual inspections is insufficient, and argue that encouraging workers to quit smoking is a more sustainable long-term solution.

Contractors and workers are adapting to the ban to back the safety goal, yet further publicity and enforcement will determine the outcome.