The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) will look at how effective current health and safety promotion is among small and medium-sized businesses, and what action should be taken in the future.

It wants professionals, consultants and advisers who have had direct experience working with small firms to come forward with information about the advice small businesses have received, how they can avoid red tape and how good practice can be shared more widely.

A spokesman said:

"SMEs are not simply smaller versions of large companies, and research has shown that they face distinct challenges with dealing with occupational health and safety."