30 December 2011 Last updated at 04:53 ET

Health and Safety workplace death figures for Kent

A union has called for tougher action on companies that flout health and safety laws following a rise in Kent of the number of people killed at work.

Four people died in accidents last year and more than 700 were seriously injured, according to figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The HSE's Mike Walters said it was a "significant increase" on last year's figures, when there was only one death.

Construction workers union Ucatt said it was unacceptable.

'Save money'

Jerry Swain, Ucatt's representative for the South East, said companies were neglecting health and safety during the economic downturn.

He said: "There's only a certain number of things you can do to try and save money and one of those things I think employers have identified is health and safety."

Mr Waters said high-risk jobs included working in agriculture, construction and in the waste and recycling industry.

He said: "It is the employers' duty to look after their employees whilst at work and they should really focus on getting workplaces safe."