Chris Sun explains smoking ban in construction sites

已複製連結

The government is expected to amend the construction site safety regulations as early as the beginning of next month, imposing a complete ban on smoking on construction sites. 

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the decision on whether to hold contractors accountable will depend on the preventative measures they take.

To reduce the risk of fires on construction sites, the government is revising the construction site safety regulations, prohibiting smoking on construction sites. 

Chris Sun indicated that the draft will be submitted to the Legislative Council for review as early as the beginning of next month.

He said: “After the amendment, workers found violating the regulations will face a maximum fine of HK$150,000. Employers, which are contractors, are also liable, with a maximum fine of HK$400,000 for violations.”

“Suppose an officer is inspecting a construction site and cannot find anyone smoking on site. However, the entire site is littered with cigarette butts, and workers have a lot of cigarettes on them, but no one is smoking at that moment. The officer would inquire whether the construction site has implemented measures to prevent smoking. Are there signs instructing workers not to smoke, and are cigarettes placed at construction site entrances and exits monitored by cameras? If nothing is found, it's inevitable to question whether the employer has fulfilled its responsibilities."

If not, we can use this clue to file a prosecution," Sun said.