Safety & Training

Cold Weather Safety: Staying Sharp in the Southeastern Woods

Logging in the Southeast during winter is a mixed bag. One day you are in the sandhills of South Carolina with a light frost. The next, you are climbing into the mountains of Tennessee where the temperature swings can hit you without warning. This year has brought its share of cold snaps, and it is a good time to make sure we are all prepared.

Forestry Mutual keeps industry safety front and center, especially when winter brings a new set of hazards. Cold weather changes how your saws run, how trees react, and how your body performs. A few simple precautions can make sure everyone heads home safely at the end of the day.

Your Body

Cold weather is not complicated, but it will catch you off guard if you are not ready for it. Dress in layers you can add or remove as the day changes. Once your body warms up, you may shed a layer, but keep it close. If you stop to talk with a coworker or forester, you may need to put it right back on to stay warm.

A few simple habits pay off:

• Wear gloves with liners.
• Warm up before you start. Light stretching or slow movement gets blood flowing.
• If you get too cold, start a fire if the landowner allows it or warm up in the truck.
• Do not rush.
• In the mountains, be extra deliberate with your footing. Snow covers hazards and ice turns simple steps into slip or trip risks.

Gear Checklist

• No jackets or sweatshirts with hoods. Use a stocking cap or beanie.
• Thicker gloves or liners.
• Extra socks.
• Long johns or wool.
• Extra set of clothes.
• Rain gear.

Dehydration

Cold weather makes hydration tricky. You may not feel thirsty, but your body still loses water through breathing in cold, dry air. Carry water and drink throughout the day even if you are not sweating. Winter dehydration is real and can take you down fast.

Driving

Winter is tough on equipment, roads, and drivers. Whether you are leaving the yard or hauling out of the landing, respect the conditions. If the weather turns bad, stay home. No load is worth risking your life.

A few reminders that tie into the Forestry Mutual 10 Point Safety Checklist:

• Keep your vehicle in good working order and complete your pre trip and post trip inspections.
• Scrape snow and ice off headlights and keep them on at all times.
• Start the day with a full tank.
• Slow down.
• Ease into acceleration and braking.
• Leave more space between vehicles.
• Watch for black ice on bridges, shaded areas, intersections, and ramps.
• Keep an ice scraper, shovel, tow strap, and jumper cables in the truck.
• Carry extra clothes, food, and water.
• Drive for the conditions at hand.
• Do not push your limits.

Winter demands respect. A little preparation and a steady pace protect you, your crew, and your operation. Stay warm, stay alert, and get home safe.