The Hong Kong government has introduced proposed legal amendments to ban smoking at all construction sites following a devastating fire that killed 168 people last year.
The deadly blaze, regarded as the city’s worst fire disaster in decades, tore through seven apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in northern Hong Kong in November 2025.
At the time of the incident, the estate was undergoing repair works, and investigators later heard evidence suggesting the fire was likely caused by construction workers smoking on scaffolding structures.
A panel investigating the tragedy was also told that residents had repeatedly complained about workers smoking at the site, but no effective action was taken to address the issue.
In response, the government announced on May 19 that new legislative amendments had been introduced to strengthen safety regulations at construction areas across the city.
Under the proposed law changes, all construction sites would officially become designated no-smoking zones.
The amendments would also place clear legal responsibility on principal contractors, subcontractors and workers to strictly prevent smoking activities at worksites.
Authorities said the move is aimed at reducing fire risks and improving safety standards for both workers and the public.
Occupational safety officers from Hong Kong’s Labour Department would be given enforcement powers to issue on-the-spot fines to anyone caught smoking at construction sites.
Individuals violating the ban could face a fixed penalty of HK$3,000 (approximately S$490).
Meanwhile, contractors and subcontractors who fail to take “all reasonable steps” to stop smoking at worksites could face fines of up to HK$400,000 upon conviction.
The Hong Kong government said it hopes the city’s Legislative Council will support the amendments and approve them as soon as possible.
The tragedy at Wang Fuk Court shocked Hong Kong residents and reignited public debate over construction safety enforcement, workplace negligence and fire prevention standards in densely populated residential areas.
