Exeter Crown Court heard how an employee of Steve Hoskin Construction Limited (SHCL) was working for the groundwork contractor at a construction site in Dawlish, Devon when he was crushed by a reversing telescopic material handler.

John Small, 47, was crushed by the vehicle after it reversed while he was walking alongside it. Small was pronounced dead after suffering multiple injuries.

An HSE investigation into the incident on 28 June 2013 found that Cavanna Homes, the principal contractor for this site, failed to ensure this area of the construction site was organised to enable pedestrians and vehicles to move safely.

Cavanna Homes (SW) Limited, of Torquay, Devon, pleaded guilty to breaching CDM Regulations and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000.

Steve Hoskin Construction Limited, of Pensilva, Liskeard, pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £20,000.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Caroline Penwill said: “There were no control measures in place to segregate vehicles and pedestrians in the area where the incident happened.

“Separating pedestrians and vehicles by introducing measures such as walkways with barriers, could have prevented John Small’s death”