Latest provisional figures from the Health and Safety Executive show 30 construction workers were killed between April 2016 and March 2017.

The figure is a record low since accurate figures were first compiled in 1974.

But construction still accounts for more deaths than any other sector.

The average annual death rate over the last five years in construction is around four times as high as the all industry rate.

HSE Chair Martin Temple said: “Every fatality is a tragic event that should not happen.

“While we are encouraged by this improvement on the previous year, we continue unwaveringly on our mission to prevent injury, death and ill health by protecting people and reducing risks.”

The report also reveals that previous exposure to asbestos is currently killing nearly 50 people a week.

Mesothelioma killed 2,542 people in Great Britain in 2015.