Around 1,200 accidents, including major injuries, take place in the printing sector annually.

The HSE is sending letters to more than 120 printing firms in the Yorkshire and Humberside region warning them about the inspections.

Print workers face hazards from both the machinery and the chemicals they work with.

An HSE spokesman said:

"Precautions are often simple to implement so HSE will continue to work at implementing good health and safety practice whilst, via initiatives like this and will take enforcement action against those that fail to meet their legal responsibilities to provide healthy and safe work places."