Expert Compliance Insights & Tips for Businesses

An OSHA inspection is a formal workplace safety review conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. During an OSHA inspection, compliance officers evaluate whether employers comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and other associated federal labor laws. An OSHA inspection is a government‑initiated enforcement activity. These inspections may be unannounced and can lead to citations and penalties if the compliance officer finds violations. Employers should view the inspection process as a chance to correct hazards and demonstrate good faith.

On January 14th, 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held its first public meeting in months and discussed, among other things, internal voting procedures. Notably, this was the first meeting since the EEOC reached quorum on October 27th, 2025.

On January 5th, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released multiple opinion letters discussing critical wage & hour topics. Specifically, one of the four documents informed readers on how to address whether specific bonuses can be excluded from regular pay calculations.

On December 29th, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued its 2026 standard mileage rate increases for calculating mileage deductions. In brief, the notice provides the optional rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, or moving expenses.

On December 19th, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released new information on State Paid Family and Medical Leave programs. Specifically, Notice 2026-06 extends the transition period established in 2025 by Revenue Ruling 2025-4 by one year.

On December 15, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced updates to the annual benefits plan report/return filings. The DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) teamed up with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to announce these updates.

On December 10th, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it had issued seven letters of interpretation regarding workplace safety requirements. Specifically, the agency wants to ensure the consistent and transparent application of federal workplace safety and health standards.

Employers are increasingly relying on flexible, project‑based arrangements to get work done. From rideshare drivers to graphic designers, gig workers operate outside traditional employment structures. However, wage and hour laws still apply, and misclassifying a worker can trigger expensive penalties. This article explains the employee/independent contractor distinction, highlights the tests used at the federal level and in key states, and offers practical guidance to stay compliant.

Paid sick leave and paid family/medical leave requirements in the United States are complicated because there is no national law that requires private employers to offer paid sick time. Instead, companies must follow a mix of state and local rules. More than 20 states and many cities now require some type of paid sick or “safe” leave, and several states have created or expanded paid family and medical leave programs.

Union organizing drives are no longer confined to heavily industrial workplaces. The <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/">National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)</a> has reinforced that employees have a legal right to organize and bargain collectively and that employers must remain neutral and comply with labor laws. This article summarizes early organizing signs, labor organizing employer rules, training and posting obligations, and communication rules that HR representatives and managers should understand.