Industrial accidents in China continue to exact high toll in lives and property
Inadequate workplace safety blamed on lax enforcement, inspections and training
Explosions and fires caused by industrial accidents have killed and injured hundreds in China in recent years.
Workplace safety has been a persistent problem on the mainland, compounded by inadequate enforcement of safety regulations, inspections and training.
In recent years, major industrial accidents – including yesterday’s warehouse explosions in Tianjin, northeastern China, where many remain missing – have killed more than 200 people and injured more than 880.
Many of the accidents were thought to be caused by dangerous working conditions, improper storage and poor facilities.
There have also been large protests by residents over perceived harmful pollutants from chemical plants in several provinces, causing local governments to alter or shelve plants producing sensitive materials.
Some of the more prominent incidents include: