A POWER worker who was left needing 42 stitches after accidentally cutting five of his tendons with a chainsaw has been given an award.

Graham Barton, who works in Colchester, won the Stay Safe award in UK Power Networks’ annual Living our Values at a ceremony in London.

He was recognised for his strong commitment to safety after drawing on his own experience of an accident in the workplace when he was just 19.

Before joining the firm, Mr Barton, 44, was himself injured at his previous workplace when a chainsaw came into contact with his left wrist, resulting in him cutting five tendons and needing 42 stitches.

He now works at the power provider’s Colchester office and looks after the health and safety of tree cutters across both the east and south-east of England.

The power provider has to ensure trees are regularly cut back from overhead lines to help prevent power cuts.

Mr Barton said his personal incident drives his determination for ensuring the safety of staff and contractors around high voltage electricity.

“The award was a genuine surprise and really nice to receive,” said Mr Barton. “It’s in my name, but it’s recognition for all the tree cutting teams and contractors.

“I have always engaged really strongly with safety. I had a chainsaw accident myself when I was only 19 working at a different company so I suppose a lot of my passion for safe working developed from there, I’ve always had a desire to do things the right way.

“My accident was more than 20 years ago now, but it does give you empathy.

“You can relate to colleagues if an accident has happened or come close to happening because you have been through that situation, and can bring experience into play to help people emerge stronger.”

He continued: “The safety advice we offer is always really well received and we work in a collaborative way with contractors, too.

“Tree cutting can be dangerous, so it’s our role to make it as safe as possible.”