Mr. John D. Surma

John D. Surma is a Principal in the Houston, Texas, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling.

Mr. Surma counsels and represent clients throughout the United States before a variety of regulatory agencies including OSHA, MSHA, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Railroad Administration/American Association of Railroads, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. He assists clients with the interpretation and application of OSHA standards, reviews and develops compliance programs, audits compliance programs and advises clients concerning deficiencies, consults on regulations and their applicability to businesses, assists clients with permitting issues, and prepares clients for and represents them in regulatory actions and inspections, including catastrophic incidents. He also advises his regulatory compliance clients on risk management and workplace safety and security.

In addition, Mr. Surma performs investigations into catastrophic incidents causing injury and death. He has investigated a wide range of catastrophes including plant and refinery explosions and fires, construction accidents, trucking accidents, pipeline accidents, mechanical equipment failures, safety program failures, equipment operation errors, electrical safety failures, chemical releases, and structural failures. He often represents clients in both the regulatory and civil litigation that follows and has extensive trial experience. Mr. Surma also serves as General Counsel for several entities.

Mr. Surma's clients include aviation companies, refiners, chemical companies, manufacturing companies, construction companies, engineering firms, transportation companies, industrial service companies and nuclear energy companies.

John D. Surma In the News

John Surma Authors Recent Changes to OSHA Regulations That Employers Seem to Miss

August 2, 2018 • DRI The Voice

John D. Surma Publications

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CDC Offers Guidance for Truckers, Delivery Personnel Traveling To/From Greater New York City Area

March 27, 2020

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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Agency Proposes Changes to Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers

August 21, 2019