"It's only a matter of time before someone is made an example of, " said Aisling Butler of William Fry solicitors.

Butler launched the Health & Safety Lawyers Association of Ireland last week, which she said will help other lawyers become more aware of the duties and responsibilities companies have under the new legislation. In cases of serious breach of the 2005 law, individuals could face fines of up to 3m and up to 2 years' imprisonment.

"The law is hugely complicated. The day-to-day, on the ground implementation is going to be down to ongoing interpretation, " said Butler.

Having found no other law committee that might help educate the legal profession and Irish companies about the new requirements, Butler opted to form the associaiton herself.

Companies that took the time to implement the new rules had nothing to fear, she said. "It's about minimising hazards and potential risks. If the right procedures are in place it will help executives avoid feeling out of their depth."