In this episode of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (shareholder, Houston) sits down with Ryan Swink (associate, Houston) to discuss judicial review in the context of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations. John and Ryan review the steps employers should consider when contesting OSHA citations, the roles of Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) commissioners and administrative law judges, and the legal standards that apply during appeals. The speakers also address constitutional challenges and other legal issues employers may encounter when disputing OSHA citations.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Skye Hao (Atlanta) and Kate Thompson (New York/Boston) discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity in global employment policies and its contribution to organizational success. Kate and Skye highlight that creating inclusive and respectful work environments enhances communication and engagement among employees, boosts morale, and fosters cohesive teams. They also emphasize that some policies may need to be tailored to align with local practices while ensuring legal compliance, with leadership playing a pivotal role in cultivating a culturally sensitive workplace.

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Skye Hao (Atlanta) and Lina Fernandez (Boston) explore the significant changes in Hong Kong’s employment regulations, specifically the transition from the 418 rule to the new 468 rule. The speakers discuss how this change, which will take effect in January 2026, aims to improve protections for part-time and casual workers by redefining the qualifications for continuous contracts. They also examine the implications of these changes for both employees and employers in Hong Kong’s dynamic labor market.

In this installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Mike Mahoney, a shareholder in the firm’s Morristown and New York offices and chair of the Employment Tax Group, speaks with Elizabeth Lutes, Executive Vice President of Transition Services, Inc., to discuss supplemental unemployment benefits (SUBs), or SUB plans. They explore how SUB plans can provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional severance packages and cover the potential tax savings, design flexibility, and implementation strategies that make SUB plans a valuable resource for employers facing workforce reductions.

In this inaugural episode of our EEOC Exclusive podcast series, Adam Dougherty (shareholder, Dallas) sits down with Jim Paul (shareholder, St. Louis and Tampa), D’Ontae Sylvertooth (shareholder, Washington) and Sean Oliveira (associate, St. Louis) to discuss the intricacies and processes of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The conversation focuses on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision on EEOC regulations following the dismantling of Chevron deference, particularly in relation to the Prichard v. Long Island University case.

In this podcast, Meagan Dziura (Raleigh) and Derek Maka (Boston) discuss the intricacies of business travel to the United States and the importance of adhering to visa regulations. The speakers cover the limitations of B-1 visas and ESTA authorizations, the risks associated with unauthorized work, and alternative visa options such as the intermittent L-1 and TN visas for frequent business travelers.

In this episode of Ogletree Deakins’ Safety Basics podcast series, John Surma (shareholder, Houston) sits down with Ryan Swink (associate, Houston) to discuss the critical topic of criminal liability in relation to occupational safety and health law. The speakers explore the nuances of the criminal provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, the overlap with federal criminal law, and the implications for employers as they navigate the complexities of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations and work to reduce potential criminal exposure.

In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders Frank Davis (Dallas) and John Surma (Houston) conclude their discussion with former federal whistleblower investigator Jeff Cedar. They delve into the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) whistleblower process, focusing on the importance of credible evidence in determining whether a complaint is actionable. The speakers highlight the benefits for employers in understanding whistleblower protections under a myriad of laws. They reiterate that actionable complaints must demonstrate four key elements: evidence of a protected activity, the employer’s knowledge of that activity, an adverse employment action, and a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.

In the latest installment of our Payroll Brass Tax podcast series, Victoria Vish (shareholder, Dallas) and Stephen Kenney (associate, Dallas) discuss the implications of the recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” highlighting the bill’s no-tax-on-tips and no-tax-on-overtime provisions. Stephen and Victoria also explain the expansion of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax credit to include the beauty and aesthetics industry. They conclude the episode with a discussion on the anticipated Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance and its potential impact on reporting requirements.

In this episode of our Safety Perspectives From the Dallas Region podcast series, shareholders John Surma (Houston) and Frank Davis (Dallas) are joined by former federal whistleblower investigator Jeff Cedar for a wide-ranging discussion of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) whistleblower investigation process. Jeff provides a helpful overview of the process, from receipt of a complaint and assignment to an investigator to interviewing complainants and decision-makers. The speakers also review the critical elements in establishing an actionable complaint, including engaging in protected activity, employer knowledge of that activity, an adverse employment action, and a nexus between the protected activity and the adverse employment action.