Illegal production caused factory blast

Illegal production led to an explosion at a biotechnology company in Xiangcheng, Henan province, that killed six people and injured three on March 20, authorities said on Wednesday. The blast at Sandeli Biotechnology in Xiangcheng occurred when excessive temperatures during the distillation process in a reaction vessel caused compounds to decompose and explode, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. A preliminary investigation found that the company had subleased its factory building from another business and was operating unlawfully.

More relief offered for workplace hazards

China has raised the minimum compensation for workplace accident-related deaths or disabilities from 300,000 yuan to 400,000 yuan ($41,273 to $55,400) under a revised workplace safety insurance regulation, the Ministry of Emergency Management said on Tuesday. The updated Workplace Safety Liability Insurance Implementation Measures, jointly issued by seven government agencies, has also expanded coverage and streamlined claims processing. Employers in high-risk industries, including mining, hazardous chemicals, fireworks, transportation and metal smelting, must insure all employees without discrimination based on job type or employment status. The regulation introduces a fast-track claims mechanism for major or high-profile accidents, allowing insurers to make prompt or advance payments as required by law and policy terms.