A Coroner has branded mobile phones as "a dangerous abomination in a busy workplace" after hearing how a businessman died when he was struck by a skip wagon.

Robert Peel was seen using his mobile moments before he was "nudged" by the wagon at his waste transfer station in Valley Road, Shipley, in March last year.

He fell to the ground and was run over by one of the wagon's front wheels, suffering multiple injuries. He was dead on arrival at hospital.

After the jury returned a verdict of accidental death on Mr Peel, 56, of Green Lane, Glusburn, near Keighley, Coroner Roger Whittaker issued his warning about mobile phones.

"They are a dangerous abomination in a busy workplace where vehicles or machinery are being used," he said.

"People in these situations should be warned of the potential danger."

Yesterday's Bradford hearing was told Mr Peel and his co-director John Brooksbank would regularly use their mobiles in the yard.

Mr Brooksbank said that since the tragedy the use of mobiles had been banned, but he admitted occasionally still using his at busy times.

Barry Marshall said that after a conversation with him, he saw Mr Peel turn away. As he did so a skip wagon began turning on to the weighbridge. It pushed Mr Peel and he stumbled to the ground.

"I shouted for the driver to stop, and went to get an ambulance," said Mr Marshall.

The driver of the skip wagon, Gerald Hill, told police he had waited several minutes while another vehicle left the weighbridge. Mr Peel came up and was talking to someone at the front of his wagon before walking away.

Mr Hill said he started to drive slowly on to the weighbridge. Suddenly, Mr Marshall was there, shouting "Whoah, Whoah."

Accident investogator John Green said that somebody standing directly in front of the wagon might not be visible to the driver. There was also a blind spot at the front nearside.

The Coroner said he believed Mr Hill was in no way to blame for the accident.