Last week OSHA announced its 2011 Site-Specifi c Targeting (SST) plan, the Agency’s annual inspection program for general industry establishments with high numbers of injuries and illnesses. Whereas prior SSTs included only establishments with 40 or more employees, this year’s SST has been expanded to include establishments with as few as 20 employees. The SST does not apply to employers in states with their own state occupational safety and health agency, although state agencies may choose to adopt the federal program in lieu of creating their own. Construction worksites are also excluded from the SST.

The SST inspection rates are based upon the OSHA 300 Log and 300A Annual Survey injury and illness rates for calendar year 2009 that were reported by employers in the 2010 Data Initiative Survey. OSHA’s Primary Inspection list will include establishments that reported the following Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) or Days Away from Work Injury and Illness (DAFWII) rates...