BEIJING - Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang on Thursday urged more efforts to be taken to reduce workplace accidents.

Workplace accidents dropped 33.4 percent during the past five years, while the death toll was down 29.1 percent from the previous five years, Zhang said at a national conference on work safety.

Although there has been improvement, there are still many problems facing workplace safety and the overall situation is still grave, he said.

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

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