Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 14 July 2015, a groundworker was run over while undertaking work in the middle of the construction site road.

The worker was fortunate that he passed under the body of the reversing telehandler, and not under the wheels, which would have likely resulted in his death.

The resulting injuries include chipped vertebra, muscular and tendon damage and the worker has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

An HSE investigation found both the principal contractor, Bellway Homes, and subcontractor, A D Bly Construction failed in their duties to effectively plan, manage and monitor control measures to address the risks associated with construction site vehicles.

The investigation also found they failed to manage and control the risk of persons being struck by a vehicle on their construction site.

A D Bly Construction Ltd of Old Knebworth pleaded guilty to breaching CDM Regulations and was fined £26,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,271.38.

Bellway Homes Ltd also pleaded guilty and was fined £31,500 and ordered to pay costs of £48,600.

Speaking after the case, HSE Inspector Ian Shearring said: “The risks associated with construction vehicles is well-known and both companies failed in their duties to address these.

“Both Bellway Homes as the principal contractor, and A D Bly as subcontractor, have today been held to account for failing to take adequate action to protect the health and safety of persons working on their site.”