China's safety watchdog Friday reported a relatively stable and, in some aspects, rather improved situation in work safety from January to April this year, with major work-related accidents involving 10 deaths dropping 11.6 percent year-on-year.

Statistics from the State Administration of Work Safety showed that 310,000 accidents occurred nationwide at work in the first four months, with a death toll of 41,000 people, roughly the same at the same period last year.

Major accidents causing serious life and property losses declined evidently. The number of accidents involving over 30 deaths and the consequential death toll fell by 25 percent and 28.7 percent year-on-year, respectively.

The statistics also showed a reduction of accidents at mines and trading enterprises, with the number of accidents and fatalities down by 12.8 percent and 12.3 percent, respectively.

The work safety situation in accident-plagued industries and some regions has improved since the beginning of this year.

Earlier statistics showed that 963,976 work-related accidents occurred in China last year, causing 136,340 fatalities, a decrease of 112,963 accidents and 2,591 fatalities compared with 2002.

(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2004)