Shea Ryan entered its construction site for a flood alleviation project in Glasgow in 2020, according to New Civil Engineer.

Speaking after the court decision, HSE principal inspector Graeme McMinn said: “The construction industry should be aware that some children can be drawn to construction sites as exciting places to play.

“It must do everything it can to keep them out of construction sites and away from danger to prevent a tragedy such as this from happening again.”

RJ McLeod pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The company was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60,000 as well as the £800,000 fine. A fatal accident inquiry will take place later.

During sentencing at Glasgow Sheriff Court Sheriff Matt Jackson said that the company had “failed to adequately inspect and maintain suitable perimeter fencing and other site-security measures” which would have stopped unauthorised access to the site.

Glasgow Sherriff Court had previously heard how RJ McLeod’s Drumchapel Surface Water Management site was near a playground.

In July 2020, a group of children, including Shea, entered the site through an insecure fence. Shea told his friends he wanted to climb down an open manhole but slipped on the ladder and fell 6.3m into the water below.

Following the sentencing, the HSE released a statement urging construction companies to be aware of how construction sites can be attractive to children.

McMinn added: “Shea should never have been able to get onto and play on that site.  The security measures should have considered the adjacent children’s play park and the likelihood of children trying to gain access.

“The company should have had robust measures in place to maintain the fence line that was regularly being damaged and consider what additional security measures were needed to deter and prevent unauthorised access."