Hong Kong tests thermal drones to catch illegal smoking at construction sites

Hong Kong labour authorities are piloting an infrared thermal-imaging drone to detect illegal smoking at construction sites. This initiative began after a total site smoking ban was implemented on July 17. As of Tuesday, approximately 1,400 construction sites have been inspected. During these inspections, authorities issued 39 fixed-penalty notices and 11 improvement notices to contractors, with two cases under review for potential prosecution. The authorities plan to integrate artificial intelligence into the drone system to specifically identify smoking workers.