Some local workers said on Friday they would support a complete ban on smoking at construction and major-renovation sites, just as the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong (Reda) collects members' opinions over the idea.

This came as public scrutiny increased over smoking at construction sites in the wake of the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po claimed at least 159 lives, with experts pointing to smoking as a possible cause of the blaze.

Responding to an enquiry from RTHK, Reda said it was collecting members' opinions on whether to issue such a rule and updates would be made in due course.

According to media reports, its chairman Stewart Leung indicated that the association will issue guidelines once there's a consensus.

Local property giant CK Asset Holdings said smoking had been always strictly prohibited at its construction sites, while designated smoking areas were set aside for workers.

It added that any smoker who violated the rule would be expelled from the site without exception and that the group recently raised the stakes for violators, reporting them to the Construction Industry Council in a move that would result in them never being hired in the sector.

It's understood that Henderson Land has a similar practice on its sites.

Speaking to RTHK, a worker at a Sham Shui Po site said he would support the ban, acknowledging that the risk of smoking at construction and major-renovation sites had been neglected.

"I think it's reasonable because if you see smokers at the sites, usually they will throw cigarette butts on the ground after smoking," he said.

"Someone who's kind-hearted will step on them, but those who are not will just leave them there, so it's likely to set fire to the surrounding debris."

Another worker agrees, saying his company has already issued guidelines over smoking on site.

"Now, no one is allowed to bring cigarettes onto construction sites, and before we enter the sites, some supervisors would also check what's in your bag and see if there are any cigarettes, lighters or similar items. None of these can be taken in," he said.

"And if you smoke, you will be fined for HK$5,000 and immediately expelled from the construction site. You will never be able to work for this company again. I think it's reasonable."