BEIJING — Chinese authorities on Jan 11 reiterated efforts to improve workplace safety and prevent major accidents.

At a teleconference, the State Council warned of severe and complicated situation with regard to work safety, demanding local authorities to keep on high alert for safety hazards.

China will continue to carry out inspections over workplace safety, with targeted crackdowns on coal, dangerous chemicals, transport and construction industries, according to the meeting.

A stricter responsibility mechanism should be put in place and related lawmaking be accelerated, to enhance response capability.

Vice-Premier Ma Kai attended the conference.

Despite regular calls for better safety, frequent tragedies still occur due to lack of safety awareness and lax implementation of safety measures.

On Jan 4, a gas outburst at a colliery in central China’s Henan province left 12 people dead.