China's workplace safety record improved in the first quarter of 2016, with the number of accidents and fatalities both down, the country's work safety watchdog said on Monday. (Xinhuanet file photo)

China's workplace safety record improved in the first quarter of 2016, with the number of accidents and fatalities both down, the country's work safety watchdog said on Monday.

The number of production accidents fell 14.1 percent year on year to 10,276. The accidents left 5,414 people dead or missing, down 16.8 percent year on year, according to a statement on the website of the State Administration of Work Safety.

Coal mine accidents slumped 36.2 percent from one year earlier in the first quarter, while the death toll was down 4.7 percent.

Other industries including agricultural machinery, fisheries and transportation also reported fewer accidents and fatalities during the same period, the statement said.

Local governments should give more attention to protection and safety efforts as the rainy season has arrived and production is in full swing in many industries, according to the statement.

Priority should be given to reservoirs, mines, roads, railways and tourist attractions, said the statement.