Update date：2025-01-11
Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) organized the kick-off event of “Smoke-free Drivers” Programme (“the Programme”) on 11 January 2025 (today) to promote a vibrant, healthy smoke-free lifestyle among transportation and logistics industry, particularly professional drivers. The Programme has garnered support from over 60 organizations, including the Transport Department, Road Safety Council, Transport Advisory Committee, as well as various industry chambers and organizations which will mobilize their members and stakeholders to participate. The Programme is also supported by smoking cessation partners that will provide professional counseling services for free to members of “Smoke-free Drivers Club” to kick the habit, allowing both drivers and passengers to enjoy a refreshing, comfortable and safe journey.
COSH has spared no effort in promoting smoke-free messages to the public and also tailored publicity programme for industries with high smoking prevalence including construction and catering industries, encouraging the establishment of smoke-free culture and to support smokers in quitting. In Hong Kong, around 9.7 million passenger journeys are made on the public transport system every day, while the transportation and logistics industry has over 200,000 labour force. This year, COSH launches the Programme targeting the transportation and logistics industry, aiming to encourage more workers, especially professional drivers, to embrace a smoke-free lifestyle, enhance the industry's role in promoting a smoke-free culture, thereby improving the health of professional drivers, as well as enhancing the positive impacts on the occupational safety and health, productivity and image of drivers.
The kick-off event was officiated by Dr Amy CHIU Pui-yin (Controller, Regulatory Affairs, Department of Health), Mr Henry FAN Hung-ling (Chairman, Hospital Authority), Ms Bonnie YAU Man, (Executive Director, Occupational Safety and Health Council), Mr Henry TONG Sau-chai, (COSH Chairman), Dr Johnnie CHAN Chi-kau (COSH Vice-chairman) and Ms Vienna LAI Wai-yin (COSH Executive Director).
Mr Henry TONG Sau-chai, COSH Chairman said, “Professional drivers have higher risks of suffering from various occupational diseases due to long working hours and irregular meal times, smoking will further increase the risks of serious diseases. Besides, smoking in vehicles exposes passengers to secondhand and third-hand smoke. We would not want children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses to endure." He noted that smoking could affect driving, vehicle accidents may be caused by the distraction of lighting up, smoking and the scattering of ashes. He also pointed out that the realization of a tobacco-free Hong Kong required the concerted efforts of all sectors of the community. The Government the Next-phase Tobacco Control Measures, He further appealed to the public to support the Government’s Next-phase Tobacco Control Measures in order to safeguard public health.
Dr Amy CHIU Pui-yin, Controller of Regulatory Affairs of Department of Health, emphasized the health hazards of smoking, “Smoking is an important but preventable risk factor for a wide range of chronic diseases, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as many types of cancers and even death. Smoking in vehicles poses health risks from secondhand and third-hand smoke to passengers and transportation and logistics workers. Currently, nearly 600,000 people in Hong Kong are still daily smokers. Like other developed regions, Hong Kong is challenged by an ageing population and a rising number of chronic disease patients. The health risks associated with smoking not only place an additional burden on our healthcare system, but also puts a heavy strain on the families and caregivers of those affected by the serious illnesses caused by smoking”.
During the event, a professional driver Mr YIM shared that he became more energetic in his daily life and driving after quitting smoking and closer to his family. Singer Venus CHI Kuk-yi also explained the smoking hazards, practical quit tips and encouraged the professional drivers to quit smoking.
The Programme has garnered support from over 60 organizations, including the Transport Department, Road Safety Council, Transport Advisory Committee, as well as various industry chambers and organizations which help to promote smoke-free messages to the industry and the public. The Programme is also supported by smoking cessation partners that will provide professional counseling services for free to members of “Smoke-free Drivers Club” who are determined to kick the habit. Smoking cessation support and industry-specific promotion collaterals will be provided to companies in the industry. Besides, street promotion activities will be held at public transport interchanges across the territory to recruit practitioners of the industry and citizens to join the “Smoke-free Drivers Club”.
For more information about the Programme and join the “Smoke-free Drivers Club”
Officiating guests united the power of different sectors to promote smoke-free messages among the transportation and logistics industry.
over 60 supporting organizations will assist in encouraging the industry and the public to join the “Smoke-free Drivers Club” and enjoy a refreshing, comfortable, safe and smoke-free journey.
Mr YIM, a professional driver who quitted smoking, shared at the event on the benefits of smoking cessation, and practical quit tips.