The main purpose of this paper is to identify some important problems associated with ergonomics of the human-machine-task-environment system under cold conditions. Practical examples of stress, strain and accident risks based on the literature and original research are given, and needs and possibilities for improving the ergonomic design of machinery are described. The awareness of designers to the demands set by cold conditions should be increased. Both the need for better operability and the need for better maintainability of machinery in the cold argue for the development of a new, systematic engineering design methodology.