Construction deaths in Kent have risen dramatically in the last year.

Four people died in accidents relating to the industry from 2012/13, compared with just one over the previous 12 months.

Kent has the highest number in the South East, with just one other death recorded in the area over the period.

Fatalities across the UK fell last year, down to 39 from 49.

Construction union UCATT uncovered the figures.

Regional secretary Jerry Swain said: “Each one of these deaths was an individual tragedy, where someone’s loved one did not come home one night.

“The vast majority of construction deaths are entirely preventable and everyone involved in the industry should be working far harder to reduce fatalities.”

In 2012/13 in the UK the most common type of fatal construction accident was falls from heights which led to 23 deaths, 60% of all deaths recorded.

Mr Swain added: “As the construction industry emerges from recession and workloads rise there is a strong likelihood that deaths and injuries will increase unless urgent action is taken now to improve construction safety.”