"Production permits will be revoked temporarily if (the companies) fail to complete the installation by deadlines," he added.

The administration took this approach because 2010 saw a rise in the number of workplace accidents that claimed at least 10 lives. This increase ended a period of declining severe accidents in the workplace.

The deaths from these accidents increased by 27.6 percent to 1,438 in 2010 from a year ago, according to figures provided by SAWS. The number of accidents that claimed 10 or more lives rose by 27 percent year-on-year to 85.

Luo blamed the rebound in such accidents in 2010 on frequent natural disasters, lack of attention to safety rules and shortcomings in accident prevention measures on the part of some local governments and companies.

"There are still many problems and deficiencies in workplace safety," he said. "The situation is still serious."

Meanwhile, the total death toll from all workplace accidents in China fell by 4.4 percent in 2010 from the previous year to 79,552. During the same period the number of accidents also dropped by 4.2 percent to 363,383.

Luo said the administration will introduce harsher measures this year to further ensure the implementation of safety rules.

The results of investigations into all workplace accidents that killed at least three people will be made public, he said. Punishment details for those held responsible for the accidents will also be released to the public.

Warnings will be issued to any province if three or more accidents, each with at least three deaths, are reported there in seven straight days, Luo added.

He also vowed to crack down on dereliction and corruption involved in serious man-made accidents.