Government to ban smoking at construction sites as early as next month
發佈日期: 2026-01-17 20:47
TVB News
The government aims to introduce a smoking ban at construction sites by amending the law as early as the beginning of next month.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said contractors may face prosecution if they have not made efforts to curb smoking on construction sites.
As concerns mount over construction sites' safety after the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court, there have been growing calls for smoking bans on the sites.
Speaking on a radio programme, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said an amendment bill to the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations will be submitted to the Legislative Council early next month at the soonest.
If approved, workers caught smoking on construction sites will face a maximum fine of 150,000 dollars, while their employers are liable of up to 400,000 dollars.
Sun said during inspections by officials, if no one is seen smoking but cigeratte butts are scattered around or workers are seen carrying cigerattes, officials will assess if anti-smoking measures are in place.
They include putting up no-smoking signs, installation of CCTV cameras and establishing "cigeratte drop-off" areas at entrances and exits of the site.
Sun said if employers of construction workers fail in their part in preventing smoking at construction sites, then they could face prosecution.
In light of recent fatal industrial accidents, the labour chief vowed to update guidelines for mobile elevating work platforms as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will take effect next Tuesday, under which 25 categories of specified professionals in sectors such as social work, education, and healthcare must report suspected serious child abuse cases.
Sun said he anticipates more cases will be coming to light, and the government will offer temporary shelters to abused children.
