John Cain, 36, was working on a project to demolish the Albert Park Inn on Great Clowes Street in Salford on 22 November 2004 when he was hit by the bucket on a digger.
He died from his injuries later that day.
The court hearing following the tragedy was held last Friday on the day Cain would have celebrated his 42nd birthday.
Business partners Barry Godliman and Robert Watson were the principal contractors on the site, and Windmill Demolition Company Ltd was a specialist subcontractor hired to carry out the demolition work.
Karen Doran, John Cain’s ex-partner and the mother of his three young daughters, said: “It’s been very hard for the children coping with what happened as they’re still very young. It’s been like an open wound.
“Hopefully, now that those responsible for health and safety on the site have been punished, we’ll be able to put this behind us and get on with our lives.
“I just hope the prosecution will send a message out to companies that they cannot get away with ruining people’s lives.”
HSE Inspector Stuart Kitchingman added: “This case demonstrates how important it is for contractors to be aware of their health and safety duties, especially when there are several companies working on a project.
“Barry Godliman and Robert Watson were the principal contractors on the site and so should have made sure all work was carried out safely.
“Windmill Demolition had been hired to oversee and carry out the demolition work, and so had responsibilities for managing safety as well.
“I hope this case will encourage construction companies to do more to manage health and safety on sites effectively.”