China fireworks factory blast sharpens focus on workplace safety
China’s safety record has improved but concerns persist about under-reporting and uneven compliance
Stellar economic development can exact a price in industrial accidents, as China found in its very high-growth years. Since then, one of its less noticed achievements – alongside lifting hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty – is to have also made mines and factories safer for those who work in them.
As a result, reports of deaths and injuries in major workplace accidents are no longer so commonplace. Sadly, they continue to happen – everywhere, including Hong Kong. Reminders can still be shocking.
Within hours, President Xi Jinping demanded proper handling of the aftermath. He has called for a prompt investigation, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable, profound lessons learned and responsibility for workplace safety reinforced. Premier Li Qiang also has urged efforts to strengthen safety in key industries and sectors. Beijing has sent Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing to supervise the aftermath of the blast.
Explosions related to firecrackers are not uncommon in China, where they are widely used during festive seasons such as the Chinese New Year. Some cities in China have banned fireworks due to safety concerns and air pollution. But the measures have faced resistance because fireworks remain central to festivities as the loud bangs scare off evil spirits, according to Chinese tradition.