The Act, which ministers welcomed on October 16th brings much tougher penalties for businesses that flout the law.

HSE Chair Judith Hackitt said: "The new Act sends out an important message to those who flout the law. However, good employers and good managers have nothing to fear. In fact, they have much to gain.

"I want to remind businesses that there are no changes to their existing legal duties and that important safeguards are in place to ensure these new powers will be used sensibly and proportionately.

"Our enforcement policy targets those who cut corners, gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with health and safety law and who put workers and the public at risk."

For more information please see www.hse.gov.uk