BEIJING, Nov. 27 -- Accidents involving special equipment such as elevators and boilers left 12 people dead and 13 injured last month in China, a government official said Thursday.

The casualties were incurred in a total of 14 such accidents, according to a statement on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

In October last year, there were 14 such accidents resulting in 16 deaths.

The AQSIQ said a lack of safety awareness, improper use of equipment and slack security management at work sites had led to the accidents.

The AQSIQ has asked local authorities to strengthen checks on special equipment to ensure work safety.