Manufacturing body the EEf said it feared that the Health and Safety Executive could face pressure to recommend new duties on directors.

However, it claimed bosses were already taking a more ‘hands-on’ approach and spending more time on health and safety.

A poll of 400 firms by the EEF showed a major increase in board level involvement in managing health and safety risks over the last three years. The EEF said the survey proved the proposed new laws were unnecessary and could be counter-productive.

“Leadership of health and safety is extremely important.” said EEF spokesman John Herbert. “Our survey confirms that there has been a sea change in director involvement – active leadership is now very definitely the norm, not the exception.”

“Recent legal changes, insurance considerations and a campaign by HSE and other organisations have all played a part in that improvement.

“With the effect of those legal changes still feeding through the system, it makes no sense to introduce a new law now. We urge HSE to stick with the current approach and are keen to continue lending our active support.”

The survey also showed that employer confidence in regulators had plummeted – with bosses complaining about unnecessary bureaucracy and particularly its effect on small firms.

Said Mr Herbert: “In recent years, HSE has made significant efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. Our survey shows that further work is needed to reduce burdens from existing legislation and to resist new legislation, most of which now emanates from EU directives.”

The poll found that 81% of boards discuss health and safety as a regular item, compared with 58% in 2006; some 73% of boards set and monitor targets for health and safety, compared to 53% in 2006; and 91% identify the health and safety responsibilities of senior managers in their health and safety policy, compared to 77%. The poll said 80% of firms are spending more time on health and safety than they were in 2006.