A complete smoking ban could be introduced at Hong Kong’s construction sites following the fatal blaze in Tai Po last week.

Hong Kong’s real estate industry has expressed its support for a complete ban on smoking at construction sites and is collecting the opinions of stakeholders.

The fire, which broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Nov 26 causing at least 159 deaths, has raised public concern about smoking at construction sites; residents of Wang Fuk Court have reported that during the major renovation project, workers were repeatedly seen smoking at the site.

Since the fire, notices have been posted at construction sites informing workers that they are not permitted to bring cigarettes onto the site. According to one notice, anyone in violation of the order faces a fine of HK$5,000 ($642), immediate expulsion from the site, and could be permanently barred from employment in construction.

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Stewart Leung Chi-kin, chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association, said he supports a comprehensive smoking ban at construction sites, adding that contractors should bear responsibility for this issue. If the association reaches a consensus, guidelines will be issued to all developers, Leung said.

A spokesperson for the association said that members’ opinions on this issue are being  collected.    

A spokesperson for CK Asset Holdings Ltd said that smoking has always been strictly prohibited at its construction sites, and that it provides designated smoking areas for workers.

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Workers who violate the smoking ban will be dismissed and expelled from the site, the spokesperson said, adding that the group has intensified the enforcement of its regulations recently and will report offenders to the Construction Industry Council.  

According to current Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations in Hong Kong, if any flammable liquid or any mixture containing any such liquid or any substance or thing which in the opinion of the commissioner involves danger from fire is used or intended to be used, at any construction site, the commissioner may prohibit smoking and the use of naked lights at that construction site.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com