Landlord told to take action after electrocution

A man died after accidentally cutting through an 11kV electricity cable

A landlord company has been told to take action after a man cut through an 11kV electricity cable and died from his injuries.

Michael Ernest Kerslake, 74, was asked to cut vegetation on 7 September 2023 at Colley Lane Industrial Estate in Bridgwater which was owned by landlord company Kenny & Murphy.

He decided to use a strimmer on the vegetation at the foot of an electricity pylon and cut through an 11kV electricity cable, causing an electrical explosion in which he was fatally injured.

Vanessa McKinlay, assistant coroner for Somerset, said there is a risk of future deaths because there is no risk assessment in place warning workers of the electrical equipment.

Ms McKinlay said: "During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.

"In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken."

She added the reason for her concern is that there was no risk assessment in place warning workers on the estate of the risks of using machinery in the vicinity of electrical equipment.

Kenny & Murphy no longer own the estate but they own other sites and still do not have such a risk assessment in place, she said.

Addressing the company, Ms McKinlay added: "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action."