He handed down a fine of £116,000 to Shell UK, plus costs of £16,204. Dalprop Ltd and Hertal UK were both fined £83,333, with £11,115 and £16,204 costs respectively.

The companies were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Rizzotti said: “The costs awarded don’t really bother me. The main thing for me has been that a basket doesn’t fall on anyone else and that this never happens again.”

He added: “I’m glad it’s over and the chapter is now closed. My priority now is to get fit. I have to undergo major back surgery this year and get comfortable and used to my chair.”

Health and Safety inspector Keith Morris, who oversaw the investigation, said the fines reflected the equal responsibility of all companies involved to protect lives.

He said: “The message is that everybody is responsible for health and safety at work.” All three companies apologised to Mr Rizzotti and said working practices had been improved with more comprehensive checks to prevent another accident.

At an earlier hearing, the court heard how a cord connected to the hoist and cage became snagged on scaffolding.

It was hanging above an access way when something dislodged the boards and the cage crashed down on Mr Rizzotti.