Pictured above: Mike Wakeling

More companies risk being put out of business by the courts for safety failings, a legal expert has predicted.

And Mike Wakeling, a partner with Stratford-upon-Avon-based Lodders Solicitors, urged businesses to urgently review their operations.

His comments follow the case of Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings, the first firm to be found guilty of corporate manslaughter, which was fined £385,000 and earlier this month lost its appeal against conviction and sentence.

Among the comments made by Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge was that it was "unavoidable and inevitable" that the company may go into liquidation in paying the fine.

Mr Wakeling said: "The message from the judiciary could not be plainer.

"The courts are in effect saying they will not hesitate to put businesses down if the case justifies it.

"This first successful prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 has put a marker down for everyone else.

"It is absolutely vital that companies both fully comply with health and safety legislation and ideally do more than is required. They need to be proactive and constantly looking to avoid circumstances where unwittingly dangerous situations arise threatening to catch out the less vigilant.

"This case has shown how easy it is for a tragedy to happen putting the whole business in jeopardy.

"If firms do not understand their responsibilities they should consult their legal adviser and, where necessary, bring in specialist health and safety professionals to oversee contracts."

The Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings prosecution arose following a pit collapse in September 2008 in which a 27-year-old geologist died.

Alexander Wright, aged 27, from Cheltenham, was taking soil samples for a housing development in Brimscombe Lane, near Stroud. However, the pit was not supported by timbers and caved in.

In February a jury at Winchester Crown Court found the firm guilty of failing to ensure his safety.