WASHINGTON – The wood products industry is among the dangerous occupations in the United States, particularly when machinery is used improperly or without the proper safeguards, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

OSHA recently issued its annual inspection plan under the Site-Specific Targeting 2014 program to direct enforcement resources to workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur. "By focusing our inspection resources on employers in high hazard industries who endanger their employees, we can prevent injuries and illnesses and save lives," said Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

Close to 11,000 injuries were recorded in the industry (NAICS 321, 337) that required days away from work by employees, according to 2010 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The SST program affects high-hazard, non-construction workplaces that have 20 or more workers.

OSHA also implements both national and local emphasis inspection programs for high-risk hazards and industries.