Employees in manufacturing are putting colleagues at risk by not reporting accidents at work and exposing their employers to potential prosecution by failing to comply with health and safety legislation, a study by City & Guilds shows.

The research found that 80% of employees in small and medium-sized enterprises estimate that up to a quarter of accidents are not reported to line managers.

The severity of accidents varies, but one in 20 employees (5%) have witnessed an injury to the hand or finger - such as cutting or even losing a finger on a steel saw - while in the workplace.

The number of major injuries sustained while handling, lifting or carrying, has also increased by 12% in 2004/05.

The study found nearly half of employers are unaware of the forthcoming Corporate Manslaughter Act Bill which, if passed, will provide a more effective sanction for holding companies and other organisations responsible when gross negligence in senior management has had fatal consequences.