Judges will have the power to force companies convicted of corporate manslaughter to ­publicise their conviction after new measures came into force this week.

Courts will be able to hand out publicity orders to companies and public bodies where gross corporate health and safety failures caused a person’s death. Judges can choose to order that their conviction be publicised in a newspaper, or via a statement on the company’s website.

The orders can require those convicted to publicise details of their case, the fine imposed and any remedial work they have been ordered to undertake. Companies can already be fined unlimited damages or be forced to improve safety in the workplace if convicted of corporate manslaughter.

Justice minister Maria Eagle said: ‘Fines hit irresponsible companies in their wallet, but public image is also extremely important. ‘Forcing corporations and organisations to publicise their conviction will be a powerful deterrent, making them think of the reputational as well as ­financial risk of not taking their health and safety responsibilities seriously.’