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)