During your time as a contractor, you’ll be in contact with at least one of the primary regulatory agencies, if not more. A regulator is responsible for overseeing a particular project or process to ensure that proper protocol is being followed. They evaluate compliance in accordance with local and federal law, and then they report their findings to their supervisors.

As every contractor knows or will soon find out, a visit from a regulator can be tense and unnerving. Whether you have plenty of experience working with regulators or none at all, the entire process may seem frustrating and intimidating. One of the best things you can do is to build rapport with the agency and the regulator assigned to your project. This makes everyone’s job much easier and the process much smoother. Read on for some practical advice on how to strengthen your contractor-regulator relationship.

• Make an effort to understand. One of the most common sources of friction and disharmony in any human interaction is misunderstanding. Not only might a person misunderstand the other’s intentions, but they have no frame of reference when it comes to relating to that person and what they do. In contractor-regulator relations, it is enormously beneficial for the contractor to be familiar with the tasks and procedures of a regulator. This will allow you to sympathize, as well as be proactive in future interactions.
• Be intentional. Unfortunately, people are busy with their jobs, and opportunities to further professional relationships don’t present themselves frequently. As the contractor, you and your team will need to be intentional about reaching out. Whether it’s to check in on the latest report or to ask what you can do to make the process more efficient, the ball is in your court.
• Earn mutual trust. Always try to put your best foot forward. Present yourself as someone who is trustworthy and dependable, and then make decisions that reflect those traits. With time, the regulator will learn that you are reliable as both a contractor and a source of information and assistance.
• Don’t wait! Furthering contractor-regulator relations takes time, so don’t delay. Establishing your investment now will make future projects and interactions much easier.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a regulatory agency that oversees the containment of potentially hazardous materials and contaminants. This includes dirt, gravel, and chemicals that are sometimes tracked onto the roads from work sites. Start building your rapport with the EPA today by ensuring your vehicles are clean and well-maintained. Neptune Wash Solutions offers a full lineup of customizable wash stations, available for purchase and on-site installation. Contact us to receive a quote!