Product Overview

Summary: This Heat Stress Management for Arborists SOP sets out a clear, practical system for preventing heat-related illness in tree work crews operating in Australian conditions. It helps businesses control environmental and physical risk factors, protect workers undertaking strenuous work at height, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation during hot and extreme weather.

Arborists routinely perform physically demanding work at height, in full PPE, and often in direct sun or hot, humid conditions. This combination creates a high risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. The Heat Stress Management for Arborists Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, evidence-based approach to planning and carrying out tree work safely in hot and extreme weather, tailored specifically to Australian climates and arboriculture tasks such as climbing, rigging, chainsaw use and chipper operation.

The SOP guides supervisors and workers through pre-start heat risk assessment, job planning around temperature and humidity, work/rest scheduling, hydration protocols, and the selection of appropriate PPE and clothing that balances heat management with other safety requirements. It also defines clear triggers for task modification, rescheduling or job suspension, and outlines practical controls for lone work, remote sites and emergency response when a worker shows signs of heat strain. By implementing this procedure, arboriculture businesses can reduce incidents of heat-related illness, support worker wellbeing, and provide clear documentation that aligns with WHS duties, client expectations and industry best practice.

This document is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing SWMS, risk assessments and safe work procedures for climbing, chainsaw use and traffic management. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, standardises training content, and provides easy-to-follow steps that crews can apply on-site, from suburban street trees to remote vegetation management corridors.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke among arborists working in hot and humid conditions.
• Ensure compliance with WHS obligations by documenting a systematic approach to managing heat-related risks in arboriculture operations.
• Improve planning and scheduling of tree work around forecast temperatures, humidity and UV levels to maintain productivity without compromising safety.
• Standardise hydration, work/rest breaks and early intervention protocols across all crews and subcontractors.
• Enhance worker awareness and confidence in recognising, reporting and responding to early signs of heat-related illness.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Ground Crew Members
• Team Leaders and Leading Hands
• Arboriculture Business Owners
• WHS Managers and Coordinators
• Local Council Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Utility Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance Managers
• Contract Administrators managing tree work contracts

Hazards Addressed

• Heat stress from high ambient temperatures and direct sun exposure
• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke during strenuous climbing and rigging tasks
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in field-based crews
• Reduced concentration and decision-making leading to falls from height or chainsaw incidents
• Exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions due to heat load
• Thermal discomfort from PPE and chainsaw protective clothing in hot conditions
• Fatigue-related incidents during extended shifts or consecutive hot days
• Delayed emergency response due to remote or difficult-to-access tree work locations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Heat Stress, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke, WBGT, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Arborists, Ground Crew)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 Heat Risk Factors for Arborists (Environmental, Task, Individual, PPE)
• 6.0 Pre-Start Heat Risk Assessment and Job Planning
• 7.0 Weather Monitoring, Forecasts and Trigger Levels for Control Measures
• 8.0 Work/Rest Scheduling and Task Rotation for Climbing and Ground Crews
• 9.0 Hydration, Nutrition and Electrolyte Management Requirements
• 10.0 Clothing and PPE Considerations for Hot Weather
• 11.0 Controls for Specific Arborist Tasks in Heat (Climbing, Rigging, Chainsaw Use, Chipping)
• 12.0 Lone and Remote Work in Hot Conditions
• 13.0 Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
• 14.0 First Aid and Emergency Response for Heat Stress and Heat Stroke
• 15.0 Communication, Reporting and Escalation Procedures
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 17.0 Documentation, Records and Review of Heat Incidents
• 18.0 Continuous Improvement and SOP Review

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Working in Heat
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS 1744:2015 Road signs – Outdoor weathering and environmental considerations (for outdoor work planning context)
• Relevant state-based Arboriculture or Tree Work Guidelines (e.g. EnergySafe and utility vegetation management guidance where applicable)