1. The forging process includes: cutting the material to the required size, heating, forging, heat treatment, cleaning, and inspection. In small-scale manual forging, all these operations are carried out collaboratively by several blacksmiths in a confined space. They are collectively exposed to the same toxic environment and occupational hazards; whereas in large forging workshops, hazard factors vary depending on the workstation location.

Working Conditions Although working conditions vary depending on the type of forging, they share certain common characteristics: moderate physical labor intensity, dry and hot microclimate, noise and vibration, and air pollution from smoke.

2. Workers are simultaneously exposed to high-temperature air and thermal radiation, leading to heat accumulation in the body. The combination of environmental heat and metabolic heat may cause heat dissipation disorders and pathological changes. The amount of sweating during an 8-hour shift varies depending on the microclimate, physical exertion, and degree of heat acclimatization, usually ranging from 1.5 to 5 liters, or even higher. In smaller forging workshops or areas away from heat sources, the Behar II heat stress index typically ranges from 55 to 95; however, in large forging workshops, workstations near heating furnaces or drop hammers may reach 150 to 190. This can lead to salt deficiency and heat cramps. In cold seasons, changes in microclimate conditions may somewhat promote adaptation, but rapid and frequent changes may pose health risks.

Air Pollution: The workplace air may contain smoke particles, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or acrolein, with concentrations depending on the type of fuel used in the heating furnace, impurity content, combustion efficiency, airflow, and ventilation conditions.

Noise and Vibration: Forging hammers inevitably produce low-frequency noise and vibration, but may also include some high-frequency components, with sound pressure levels ranging from 95 to 115 decibels. Exposure to forging vibration may cause somatic and functional disorders, reduce work capacity, and affect safety.