BEIJING — China’s work safety status improved in the first five months this year, following stepped-up government supervision, official data showed on June 8.

The number of accidents dropped 9 percent year on year in the first five months, while the death toll from accidents dropped 7.4 percent, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement.

Six severe accidents were reported claiming 53 lives, down 57.1 percent and 71.4 percent, respectively.

Fewer accidents and deaths were reported in metal and nonmetal mines, chemical companies, firework producers, road and railway transportation carriers and farming machinery sectors.

The ministry said the work safety situation across the country remained grim due to violation of regulations and lax implementation of safety measures, lack of safety training, and unqualified safety facilities.

The ministry called for stringent safety inspections to protect factories from floods and other natural disasters, which are frequent in summer.