NEWS

The global decline of white oak forests is affecting the hardwood industry—and bourbon. By law, bourbon must be aged in new, charred American oak barrels. Most distilleries prefer white oak for its strength and resulting flavor and rich color. Oaks have declined in 39 countries. 31% of the 430 known oak species are approaching extinction.

DHA member Columbia Forest Products is hard at work helping communities in North Carolina that are dealing with unprecedented flooding and devastation after Hurricane Helene. Many of Columbia's employee-owners in the area are suffering from the destruction of homes and property as well as the lack of power, water, and cell service. Columbia organized food and water deliveries out of Greensboro, NC. Its Old Fort mill was directly affected by power outages.

U.S. dock workers and port operators reached a tentative deal that ended the three-day strike that shut down shipping on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The parties agreed to a wage increase of about 62% over six years, raising average wages from $39 per hour to $63 per hour. Automation is still under negotiation. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published its proposed rule on workplace heat standards with an extended period for comments through the end of 2024. OSHA's proposal mandates heat injury plans for employers who operate both outdoors and indoors, including sawmills, with separate requirements at 80 and 90 degrees.

DHA has written, updated, and published the American National Standard for Hardwood and Decorative Plywood (ANSI/HPVA HP-1) for nearly a century. This standard is an important part of the work we do as it helps buyers and manufacturers communicate and specify natural, beautiful hardwood plywood. The standard is undergoing its final design before publication.