Scotland has a higher figure for deaths on building sites

The drive is backed by unions and construction companies.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published figures showing a steep rise in fatalities in the Scottish building industry.

Six deaths have occurred on Scottish construction sites since April - just under a quarter of all the fatalities recorded in the UK.

In the previous 12 months, four Scots building workers died - about 5% of the UK total.

Everyone involved in the health and safety system in Scotland needs to work together to improve the situation Stewart Campbell Health and Safety Executive

The sharp rise in the number of accidents has prompted safety chiefs to launch a campaign in Scotland.

It is supported by the main construction union, Ucatt, and the push is being sponsored by leading construction companies.

The campaign features an interactive display aimed at prompting workers and bosses to think about site safety and good practice.

As well as safety issues, such as the need to wear hard hats and fence off hazards, the drive will also highlight the need for hygiene, with a rise being reported in dermatitis cases among those working with concrete.

'Lack of action'

HSE boss Stewart Campbell said "I am very concerned about the rise in the number of fatalities.

"Although there is no simple explanation for the increase, it is clear that most of the accidents could have been avoided if simple precautions had been taken."

He added: "A number of the accidents occurred as a result of problems which have been well known for years and where there is no excuse for lack of action by industry.

"Everyone involved in the health and safety system in Scotland needs to work together to improve the situation."

Sent to prison

In June, union leaders demanded tougher legislation to prevent deaths in the building industry.

Those calls were renewed by George Brumwell from Ucatt.

He said: "The day a company director goes to work in the morning and doesn't go back home because he has been sent to prison, that's the day we will get a step-change in attitudes towards health and safety within the construction industry."