BEIJING - Workplace accidents and deaths have dropped for five consecutive years, a government official said Friday.

Deaths resulting from workplace accidents dropped 4.7 percent year on year in 2012, while the number of workplace accidents shrank 3.1 percent, said Yang Dongliang, head of the State Administration of Work Safety.

Over the last five years, deaths from workplace accidents went down 29.1 percent in total and the number of workplace accidents declined by 33.4 percent in total, according to the administration.

Deeply-rooted problems still remain in workplace safety, Yang said, although he did not specify the problems.

Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang on Thursday urged more efforts to reduce workplace accidents.

He ordered local officials and departments to enhance safety monitoring, crack down on illegal production, remove potential risks and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Zhang also urged more timely and accurate reporting of accidents, as well as updated accident investigation and handling procedures.

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