- Hong Kong labour authorities have begun testing an infrared thermal-imaging drone to detect heat sources and illegal smoking at construction sites, with plans to add artificial intelligence (AI) to identify offenders.
- Since the total construction site smoking ban took effect on July 17, about 1,400 have been inspected as of Tuesday, according to Wan Chi-ping, assistant commissioner for labour.
- Authorities issued 39 fixed-penalty notices and 11 improvement notices to contractors, while two cases are now undergoing evidence review for possible prosecution.
- The infrared drone streamed real-time footage that marked heat sources with a red dot, allowing operators to zoom in with optical cameras to check fire safety compliance or identify illegal smokers.
- Authorities have issued 39 fines since the smoking ban came into effect last month, with the Labour Department saying it is looking into equipping drones with facial recognition tools to better enforce the new law.
- Wan Chi-ping, the Labour Department’s assistant commissioner of occupational safety, said authorities have inspected nearly 1,400 construction sites since the smoking ban was introduced in mid-July.
- The new rule designates all types of construction sites – including those for building repair, maintenance or renovation – as no smoking areas.
- Offenders face a fixed fine of HK$3,000, while contractors responsible for construction works are required to ensure that no one smokes on their sites, facing a maximum fine of HK$400,000 for non-compliance.
- The smoking ban is among a number of measures that the government proposed in the wake of a tragic fire last November, which killed 168 people and displaced thousands.
Hong Kong's Labour Department is actively testing infrared thermal drones to combat illegal smoking at construction sites, a measure introduced following a deadly fire linked to smoking. Since the smoking ban took effect on July 17, approximately 1,400 sites have been inspected, resulting in 39 fines and 11 improvement notices issued to contractors.235
The drones, equipped with thermal imaging, can detect heat sources from a distance, allowing safety officers to identify potential violations. Wan Chi-ping, assistant commissioner for labour, noted that the drones can adjust thermal sensitivity to detect temperatures between 60 to 80°C, typical for smoking. However, he acknowledged that none of the fines issued so far were a direct result of drone detection.
Authorities are considering integrating AI facial recognition technology into the drones to enhance enforcement capabilities. Wan indicated that research into this integration could take nine months to a year. The smoking ban applies to all construction sites, with offenders facing fines of HK$3,000 and contractors potentially liable for up to HK$400,000 for non-compliance. This initiative is part of broader safety measures following a tragic fire that killed 168 people last November, which was likely caused by smoking, according to investigations.89
The Labour Department's efforts reflect a commitment to improving safety standards in the construction industry while addressing the challenges of enforcing the smoking ban effectively.
“Since the construction-site smoking ban took effect July 17, inspectors have checked about 1,400 sites and issued 39 fixed-penalty notices plus 11 improvement notices. Wan Chi-ping said the drones flag heat sources of 60–80°C, adding that none of the fines so far came from drone detection; AI facial recognition research could take up to a year.”
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Free Press HKFP
