BEIJING - China's work safety watchdog said Sunday that it will step up safety inspections for tailing ponds to guard against possible weather-related accidents during flood season.

The State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) said in a circular that it will conduct targeted inspections on tailing ponds in several major regions during the April-August period.

The SAWS ordered tailing pond operators to identify potential risks beforehand and eliminate them in a timely manner, as well as strengthen prevention and control efforts.

Local governments and companies should make more efforts to prepare for emergencies, including arranging for workers to patrol the ponds around the clock and ensure that relevant information is passed along in an efficient manner.

The SAWS stressed that companies should fully realize the dangers posed by extreme weather and work with related bodies, such as meteorological and water resource departments, to take preventive measures in advance.

The circular said those who fail to uphold their due responsibility will be punished accordingly.