The need for risk assessments has been highlighted after a worker was crushed to death by a concrete panel.
Hamilton Farmers (East Lothian) pleaded guilty to charges under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £20,000.
Haddington Sheriff Court heard how one of its employees was crushed to death when a pre-cast concrete panel weighing more than one tonne toppled over onto him while he was helping build a perimeter wall at an open hay shed.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that no risk assessment was carried out, while no suitable lifting attachment had been fitted to the JCB telehandler forks used in the operation.
Gillian McLean, HSE inspector, said: "Tragically this worker was needlessly crushed to death because his employers failed to properly assess the risks and implement a safe system of work."
Earlier this year, the HSE launched a campaign urging employees of public liability insurance holders to 'do their bit' to improve risk in the workplace.