China Increases Controls on Hazmats
The Chinese government is taking steps to promote increased safety in some workplaces.
Companies using hazardous materials now must receive permits from the Chinese government prior to moving forward with production. Manufacturers handling harmful chemicals in production processes will have to file for permits with the government, according to State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) regulations.
This new procedure will be in effect beginning in May 2013. In addition to this regulation, companies must create emergency plans and carry out drills to increase safety preparedness for employees.
Also, monitoring of production licenses will become more stringent in upcoming months, and those with illegal licenses or without a license will be subject to fines as high as $31,000.
SAWS also reported the number of work-related accidental deaths has decreased by 13.7 percent this year.