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34 North American Natural Resources: Timber and Forest Products

The rough-cut pieces are then passed through a machine called an edger , which removes the rough edges. Lastly, the pieces are passed through a trimmer, which cuts the lumber into standard lengths. This whole process of cutting and forming the logs into boards is called conversion . The final step is the seasoning of the lumber. There is still moisture in the wood at this point, even after all the steps it has gone through. The goal for most lumber is to get the moisture content to about 15–20 percent. Wood that has not been seasoned is referred to as green . Green lumber is more apt to twist and warp over time than seasoned wood. Wood may be seasoned naturally, by allowing it to dry at the sawmill. Usually, however, it is dried in a kiln. After this process is complete, and the lumber has been properly seasoned, it is shipped to commercial outlets. Lumberyards, home improvement stores, hardware stores, carpenters, and the average homeowner now have access to the lumber from the forest.

The Deadliest Job According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013, people working in the logging industry suffered the highest rate of fatal work injuries. Fatal injuries include accidents with equipment such as chainsaws and large machinery, as well as those caused by falling trees and tree limbs. The rate of fatal injury was over 91 per 100,000 full- time equivalent workers. That is one dangerous occupation.