Forestry work gloves protect hands during logging, pruning and timber-hauling operations, where mechanical hazards, moisture and repeated stress combine. They are aimed at forestry teams, landscaping companies, certain agricultural activities and public services working in natural environments. The choice should be based on standards, clear performance levels and real on-site constraints. Groupe RG supports these selections with an approach focused on compliance, availability and multi-site standardisation.
Uses and hazards covered on forestry sites
On a forestry site, hands alternate between operating powered tools, handling logs, delimbing and tensioning cables. Forestry gloves must handle frequent transitions between strength, precision and grip, without generating excessive fatigue. During timber hauling, the palm and fingers wear quickly through contact with slings, chains and metal elements. Cuts, continuous abrasion, puncture from splinters or points, vibration and cold accumulate with extended use, directly affecting dexterity and precision.
Standards, markings and protection levels to check
The EN 388 standard structures the comparison of gloves against mechanical hazards: abrasion, cutting (with, depending on the case, an additional measure such as EN ISO 13997), tearing, puncture and impact. A high abrasion level is relevant for handling wood and timber hauling, while a good puncture level helps against splinters and points. For chainsaw work, dedicated models incorporating specific protection on certain areas are preferred, compatible with other PPE (sleeves, jacket, cut protection, helmet). These gloves have clear limits of use regarding exposure duration and glove condition, and do not replace training or work procedures.
In an HSE audit, the ability to demonstrate the logic of the choice is expected: hazards identified, standard targeted, performance level chosen, reference ordered. For large multi-site accounts, range stability and substitution management matter as much as performance, since a change of model can alter EN 388 levels or ergonomics. Keep the technical data sheet, the instructions and the associated markings linked to the workstation risk assessment.
Technical criteria for selecting the right model
Leather offers good abrasion resistance and tolerance to repetitive friction, particularly when handling wood. Technical textiles and cut-resistant fibres improve cut protection while retaining useful flexibility. Palm coatings (nitrile or polyurethane) affect grip, wear resistance and behaviour in wet conditions. A reinforced palm and a suitable cuff protect the most exposed areas but must remain compatible with jacket sleeves and wrist extension movements.
On wet, muddy ground, a hydrophobic material limits moisture uptake, while a textured palm maintains consistent grip on wet wood or cables. A glove that is too large slips and tires the hand; a glove that is too tight reduces precision. Durability is managed through a check before taking up the workstation: loss of grip, thinned palm, open seams or cracked coating are replacement criteria to share with teams.
Standardising and securing your supply with Groupe RG
Standardising provision aims to guarantee consistent protection levels between teams, sites and subcontractors. A selection by trade (chainsaw work, pruning, timber hauling, handling) makes it possible to link measurable performance to actual tasks and to reduce discrepancies linked to opportunistic purchasing. For consistent overall on-site protection, forestry footwear completes the compliance approach in natural environments. With over 30 years of expertise, Groupe RG supports the choice, documents decisions and consolidates field feedback to make cross-site audits and training easier.
FAQ on forestry work gloves
How often should a logging glove be renewed under intensive use?
There is no universal frequency, as wear depends on tasks, terrain and alternating dry/wet conditions. Replace as soon as integrity is compromised: smooth coating, thinned palm, open seam or loss of dexterity. A check before taking up the workstation and a buffer stock avoid uncontrolled extensions of use.
How can the choice of gloves (standards, EN 388 levels, traceability) be documented during an HSE audit?
Keep the technical data sheet, the instructions, the exact reference and the markings, then link them to the workstation risk assessment. Note the expected EN 388 levels, the limits of use and the replacement criteria selected. A short field trial report and proof that instructions were communicated strengthen the case during an audit.
How do I choose the right size and avoid discomfort over long working days?
Measure hand circumference and compare it to the manufacturer's size guide, then test making a fist and gripping a tool with the glove. Between two sizes, favour the one that avoids looseness at the fingertips, without compression at the joints. Over a long day, comfort also depends on breathability and moisture management, especially when alternating effort and breaks.