Overview
ISO 15743:2008 - Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Cold workplaces - Risk assessment and management provides a practical strategy and tools for identifying, assessing and managing cold-related risks in the workplace. Applicable to both indoor and outdoor work (including work inside vehicles and offshore/inland work) but not to diving or underwater activities, the standard supports occupational health and safety by combining observation checklists, risk-analysis models, medical screening tools and guidance on applying thermal standards.
Key topics and requirements
- Three-stage cold risk assessment model
- Stage 1 (Observation): quick workplace checklist to identify visible cold hazards and exposures.
- Stage 2 (Analysis): quantify and analyse problems using workplace measurements and expert review.
- Stage 3 (Expertise): in-depth specialist assessment for complex or unresolved cases.
- Health assessment (three stages) for identifying individual sensitivity:
- Questionnaire (Annex D) for initial medical screening.
- Interview/clinical investigation for suspected problems.
- Specialist investigations (hospital/lab) where needed.
- Practical tools and guidance
- Annex A checklist for cold-related problems.
- Annex B problem analysis and Annex C planning/management guidance.
- Annex E practical example (food processing industry).
- Integration and responsibilities
- Employer responsibility to nominate trained persons for assessment.
- Cold risk management should be integrated into existing OHS management systems (e.g., OHSAS 18001) and coordinated with occupational health professionals.
- Use of validated thermal methods
- Guidance on applying related thermal standards and physiological measurement methods when assessing cold risks.
Applications and benefits
- Use ISO 15743:2008 to:
- Assess workplace cold exposure and decide corrective actions.
- Screen employees for cold sensitivity and define work restrictions or protective measures.
- Design PPE and clothing strategies based on validated methods.
- Reduce cold-related injuries, performance loss, and productivity impacts.
- Typical sectors: food processing, transportation (vehicle interiors), outdoor construction, offshore operations, logistics, warehousing and other cold-storage environments.
Who should use this standard
- Employers, safety managers and line supervisors
- Occupational health professionals and ergonomists
- OHS consultants and auditors
- HR and workforce-planning teams managing fitness-for-work and PPE programs
Related standards
- ISO 9886 - evaluation of thermal strain by physiological measurements
- ISO 12894 - medical supervision for extreme thermal exposure
- ISO 13731 - thermal environment vocabulary and symbols
- ISO/TS 14415 - application to people with special requirements
- Compatibility note: designed to be integrated with OHS management systems (e.g., OHSAS 18001 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001)
Keywords: ISO 15743:2008, cold workplaces, risk assessment, risk management, thermal environment, occupational health, cold risk assessment, PPE, cold work checklist.