Safety Alert: Working in Extreme Heat – What Forest Operators Need to Know

As we gear up for another busy summer season in the woods, it’s important to remember that working in high heat and humidity presents serious safety risks. Forest operators, contractors, and anyone working outdoors in forestry operations need to be prepared to recognize the hazards of extreme heat—and take action to protect themselves and their crews.

This safety alert, developed with reference to guidance from the Nova Scotia Forest Safety Society, outlines key risks and best practices to help prevent heat-related illness while keeping operations running safely and efficiently.

Hazards of Working in the Heat

Forestry work is physically demanding, often performed in remote areas with limited shade or relief from the sun. This makes crews especially vulnerable to heat stress. Potential hazards include:

• Elevated core body temperature
• Fatigue and impaired judgment
• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke (life-threatening emergency)
• Dehydration
• Sunburn

Note: When body temperature rises, workers may not recognize that they’re in trouble. Early signs of distress can be subtle, so supervision and team awareness are key.

Protective Gear for Heat Exposure

Personal protective equipment (PPE) tailored to heat hazards includes:

• Hats
• Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers the skin
• Sunglasses or tinted safety glasses to reduce UV exposure and glare
  
  

Training to Save Lives

Ensure all crew members are trained in:

• Recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses
• Basic first aid procedures for heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency.

Best Practices for Forestry Crews in Hot Weather

Plan for Shade / AC 

Create or identify shaded areas where workers can rest, especially during peak heat hours (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Where natural shade isn’t available, consider temporary shelters or pop-up canopies near the worksite. Ensure AC or cool air is functioning inside cabs.

Cover Up and Block the Sun

When sun exposure is unavoidable:

• Cover exposed skin with light, breathable clothing.
• Wear sun-protective headgear.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on exposed skin.
  
  

Protect the Eyes

Use tinted safety glasses that meet CSA standards to protect eyes from both UV rays and flying debris.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

• Provide cool drinking water at the job site.
• Encourage workers to drink small amounts often, even if they’re not thirsty.
• Avoid salt tablets—they can do more harm than good.
  
  

Adjust Work and Break Schedules

• Take more frequent and longer breaks as the heat and workload increase.
• Rotate tasks or crews to reduce individual exposure time in extreme heat.
  
  

Monitor for Heat Illness

Supervisors should watch for:

• Heat cramps: painful muscle spasms
• Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea
• Heat stroke: confusion, hot dry skin, unconsciousness—call 911 immediately

If a worker shows signs of heat illness, move them to a cool area, provide water, and seek medical help.

Stay Safe This Summer

The demands of forestry work don’t stop for the weather—but safety always comes first. As the temperature climbs, plan ahead, train your team, and take proactive steps to reduce the risk of heat stress.

For more tools, resources, and training programs, visit the Nova Scotia Forest Safety Society at https://fss.ns.ca/.

This safety message is brought to you in support of a safe and productive summer in the woods.