From the front line: Jamie Sainsbury, SSEN

Key workers across the power and gas networks are playing a critical role in the national response to Coronavirus. Network has committed to profiling their stories.

22nd April 2020 by Jane Gray

Jamie Sainsbury

Line workers are among the most critical employees in the network industry at the moment as they work to address faults and keep customers on supply and protect power flows to hospitals and care homes.

Linesman Jamie Sainsbury works for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks in its Oxfordshire area, which serves around 590,000 through over 23,500 kilometres of overhead and underground cable in an infrastructure.

Speaking about working life during the lock down. Jamie says:

“During this outbreak my role is vitally important to ensure that all of our customers get the robust and resilient power supply they need and that our more vulnerable customers feel safe in the knowledge that our teams are working hard to ensure they are supported. While we’ve stopped non-essential work in line with the stay home, stay safe guidelines, our critical work must continue and we’re doing that in as safe a way as possible.

“I still work as part of a team but we have a one person, one van policy to protect all our workers. We are practicing social distancing, whether I’m carrying out a repair to a section of damaged network or collecting essential equipment from our stores and we have our PPE and hand sanitiser, wipes and gloves all stocked up.”

“It doesn’t mean I don’t still work closely with colleagues to stay safe and to complete vital work each day. It’s just not done face-to-face anymore and that’s where technology is vital to keep us all in touch.

“Like most critical businesses that still need to operate, we are trying to keep things as normal as possible and provide great service every day. Being a key worker makes me really proud knowing I am playing an important role in helping others within the community.”