Safety Production Law Strengthens Safety First Development Concept

Life is the most precious thing, and safety surpasses everything. In order to better protect people's lives, China's Safety Production Law, the fundamental legislation in the field of safety, will undergo its first major revision. On February 25, the draft amendment was submitted for the first time to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress during its seventh session. This marks the official start of the amendment process for a law that has been in effect for nearly 12 years and has been widely recognized. It is also the first draft reviewed by the NPC Standing Committee in 2014.

Under the commission of the State Council, Yang Dongliang, director of the State Administration of Work Safety, presented the draft amendment at the meeting. He emphasized that the revision focuses on strengthening corporate responsibility, government oversight, and accountability. The draft also adjusts certain administrative approval procedures. Many provisions of the current law no longer align with today’s reality, and deputies have repeatedly called for amendments to address issues such as insufficient legal safeguards, outdated technology, and weak enforcement.

During deliberations, members of the Standing Committee expressed their expectations for the amendment. They emphasized that the revision must align with the spirit of comprehensive reform of the safety production management system and follow the objective laws of safe production. One member stated, “Safety should be driven by companies, not the government.” Others stressed the importance of improving the legal framework to prevent accidents before they occur and strengthen the rule of law to curb major incidents.

The background for this revision is quite different from when the law was first enacted over a decade ago. At that time, economic growth was prioritized, and safety was not given enough attention. Now, with increased production scale and more complex safety challenges, there is a growing need for stronger legal support. Over the past 12 years, the law has played a key role in reducing accidents and protecting people's lives and property. However, many deep-seated issues remain unresolved, and major accidents still occur frequently.

Despite improvements in the safety situation, the number of accidents remains high, and serious incidents have not been effectively controlled. Examples like the Dehui fire in Jilin and the Sinopec oil pipeline explosion in Qingdao highlight ongoing problems in safety management. The new revision aims to establish a robust system for identifying and managing hidden dangers, improve pre-emptive measures, and ensure that safety is prioritized in all sectors.

The amendment process involves extensive consultations, including reviews by the NPC Financial and Economic Committee, research trips to various provinces, and discussions with local governments, enterprises, and experts. The goal is to create a more effective and enforceable legal framework that reflects the needs of the times and responds to public concerns.

As the country moves forward, the revised Safety Production Law is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding people's lives, ensuring safer development, and reinforcing the rule of law. It represents a significant step toward a more secure and responsible future for all.