Blanket ban follows tragic Tai Po fire that took 168 lives
Labour authorities in Hong Kong are proposing a blanket ban on smoking in construction sites following the fatal fire in Tai Po District in November.
Hong Kong's Labour Department (LD) has submitted to the Legislative Council a proposal seeking changes to the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (CSSR).
"LD proposes legislative amendments that would replace the current prohibition of smoking at specific construction sites due to fire risk with a comprehensive ban on smoking at all construction sites," the proposal read.
A person who has committed a smoking offence will receive a fixed penalty notice with a fine of $3,000, according to the proposal.
It also wants to hold contractors more accountable in cases of smoking violations.
LD said the amendments will impose "clear legal obligations" on the contractor responsible for a construction site, and a contractor who has direct control over any construction work on the site.
"A contractor who violated the amended CSSR is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $400,000 as stipulated in current provision," the proposal reads.
LD said it is working closely with the construction industry and relevant stakeholders to jointly enforce and manage the implementation of the comprehensive smoking ban.
It will also cooperate with the Department of Health and the Primary Healthcare Commission to promote a smoke-free culture among construction workers and to assist those who...
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