Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan is vowing to accelerate procedures for
establishing a long-term occupational safety system. He made the
remarks on Sunday at a conference of the Beijing Municipal
Committee of the Communist Party of China, according to the
Beijing News.
Wang's promise follows a marked rise in the number of industrial
and other accidents occurring in Beijing during the first seven
months of this year. His plans include establishing a reporting
system that offers rewards for information about unsafe conditions
or risks.
"With the exception of fires, more accidents have occurred this
year, especially after the accident on February 5 at a Lantern
Festival gathering in Miyun County, which killed 37 people," Wang
was quoted as saying.
Wang said that there are presently 445 hazardous areas
throughout the capital city now, 18 of which could result in
serious accidents. The mayor urged all departments to eradicate
hidden dangers. Those that cannot be repaired or removed should be
made as safe as possible, he said.
People deemed negligent will be held responsible even if no
accident occurs, the mayor said.
Meanwhile, a hotline is planned to encourage local residents to
report hazardous situations.
The Beijing Municipal People's Congress will vote on the Beijing
Municipal Occupational Safety Regulation during the Standing
Committee conference, which begins today and will end on
Thursday.
Also in the Beijing News, an emergency response system
will be established in Beijing in response to a decision by the
State Council.
Every coal mine will be required to employ at least three
full-time safety management staffers. Wholesale markets with more
than 100 stalls will also be required to establish special safety
organizations.
(China Daily July 27, 2004)