A new law has come into force which now means there could be tougher punishments for employers who do not follow health and safety guidelines.
On Friday 16th January, the Health and Safety Offences Act 2008 was implemented, which means that the maximum fine which can be imposed in the lower courts has increased to £20,000 for most health and safety breaches.
All courts also have the option to imprison employers on more occasions and a great number of offences can be tried in upper court rooms.
Judith Hackett, chairperson of the health and safety executive, said: "We will continue to target those who knowingly cut corners, put lives at risk and who gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with the law."
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers are also required to have proper drink and drug policies in place.
Digg 
Delicious 
Reddit 
StumbleUpon 
Google 
Technorati 
Netvouz