Overview
EN ISO 15743:2008 - Ergonomics of the thermal environment: Cold workplaces - Risk assessment and management provides a practical strategy and tools for assessing and managing cold-related risks in workplaces. The standard describes models, checklists and procedures to identify hazards, evaluate exposure and guide both organisational and individual protective measures. It applies to indoor (including work inside vehicles) and outdoor work (including offshore), but excludes diving and other underwater activities. In light physical work, cold conditions may occur at around 10 °C or below, and the standard helps translate thermal science into occupational health and safety practice.
Key topics and requirements
- Three-stage risk assessment model:
- Stage 1 - Observation: qualitative identification of cold hazards (checklist-based).
- Stage 2 - Analysis: quantification and expert evaluation of observed problems; recommended involvement of occupational health/safety professionals.
- Stage 3 - Expertise: detailed, specialist measurements and complex analyses when required.
- Health assessment process (three stages for individual screening):
- Stage 1 - Medical questionnaire to identify cold sensitivity and cold-related symptoms (Annex D).
- Stage 2 - Interview and clinical investigation for those flagged in stage 1.
- Stage 3 - Advanced medical/clinical testing in specialized units if necessary.
- Practical tools included:
- Checklist for workplace problem identification (Annex A).
- Analysis guidance and workplace planning (Annex B, C).
- Cold work health questionnaire and management example (Annex D, E).
- Guidance on applying thermal science: how to use thermal standards and validated measurement methods (e.g., clothing insulation guidance such as referenced ISO standards) when assessing cold-related risks.
- Roles & responsibilities: outlines responsibilities for managers, safety professionals and occupational health services in assessment and control.
Applications and who uses it
- Occupational health professionals: medical screening, clinical follow-up and individualized protection guidance.
- Safety managers and ergonomists: workplace risk assessments, control selection, and procedural planning.
- HR and site managers: policy development for cold work, training and PPE allocation.
- Industries: food processing, logistics, transport (in-vehicle work), offshore operations, construction and any sector with significant cold exposure.
- Practical use cases: initial site surveys, detailed risk analyses, medical screening programs, and implementation of administrative/engineering controls.
Related standards
EN ISO 15743:2008 references and complements other thermal ergonomics standards such as:
- ISO 9886 (physiological measurements for thermal strain)
- ISO 12894 (medical supervision for extreme environments)
- ISO 13731 (vocabulary and symbols)
- ISO/TS 14415 (application to people with special requirements)
It also aligns with thermal-clothing guidance (e.g., ISO 11079) and general risk assessment principles (ISO 15265).
Keywords: EN ISO 15743:2008, cold workplaces, risk assessment, cold risk management, thermal environment, occupational health, cold work checklist.