BEIJING, July 22 -- Chinese authorities on Tuesday told safety watchdogs nationwide to strengthen supervising efforts amid the grim work safety situation so far this year.

The call was made at a meeting on work safety of the State Council, China's Cabinet. Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai attended the meeting.

It was agreed at the meeting that lessons should be learned from accidents and all-out efforts are needed to ensure safety at work.

Attendees to the meeting also stressed the establishment of a responsibility system that will demand enterprises behave properly and prompt watchdogs to intensify supervision.

They cited areas in need of more attention, including gas and oil pipelines, traffic, fire control, dangerous chemicals and coal mines.

Safety measures should also be strengthened during flood season, it was agreed. Torrential rain and a strong typhoon have caused deaths and economic losses in south China.