Builders liability insurance holders need to take more care when using workplace transport after the prosecution of a firm.
Northumbrian Water pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and was fined £17,000 with costs of £17,045.40.
Lowestoft Magistrates Court heard how employee Robert Ayers, 38, from Lowestoft, was crushed between the loading bucket and cab of a construction vehicle in an incident in March 2008.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there is usually a device which stops the bucket being raised unless someone is in the driving seat of the vehicle, however this was faulty.
Richard Hines, HSE inspector, said: "This should serve as a serious warning to all companies that they must ensure the health and safety of their workforce - it is their responsibility."
Last month, Macob Administration, based in Bridgend, was charged by the HSE and fined £80,000 after a worker was crushed to death by a mini digger.