The Labour Department on Tuesday said that to avoid confusion, it does not plan to allow designated smoking zones under its plan to implement a blanket ban at construction sites.

The government is thinking about setting up a fixed HK$3,000 penalty for those who smoke or carry lit specified smoking products at construction sites. The plan would also see contractors face a fine of up to HK$400,000 if they fail to take all reasonable steps to ensure that no one smokes.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, Deputy Commissioner (Occupational Safety and Health) Vincent Fung noted that designated smoking zones are currently available at some sites, but he said contractors are not encouraged to provide them in the future.

"If there are designated smoking areas under a blanket smoking ban, people will be confused. It will also cause problems for site managers," he said.

"Initially, they can order their staff or construction site workers not to smoke or bring cigarette packets, lighters, etc. However, if a smoking zone is set up, it could lead to difficulties in implementation."

The proposed amendments will help law enforcement, he said, as officers face restrictions under existing regulations.

He added that under the proposal, staff will immediately be able to issue fixed penalty tickets if they catch people smoking at the site.

Fung noted that in situations where workers are caught smoking in places such as those with highly flammable substances, including thinner, the department may initiate prosecutions instead of only issuing a fixed penalty ticket.

The deputy commissioner suggested workers to leave construction sites before lighting up, and also urged them to quit smoking.


Edited by Aaron Tam