Various governmental and regulatory agencies such as the EPA can demand to inspect your facility, review of your records, request information, interview your employees, and initiate an investigation of your business, sometimes on short or no notice. When confronted with such an action, after contacting your lawyer, accountant or other consultants, you should:
- Determine what is requested of you.
- Understand the scope and consequences of the request.
- Locate, review, and protect all relevant documents.
- Conduct an internal compliance review.
- Put together a defense/response team.
During any inspection you should:
- Proactively engage the inspectors and technical personnel.
- Use your compliance documents to guide the process.
- Evaluate any concerns with non-compliance.
- Accompany and work with the inspector.
- Focus on achieving an agreed resolution of any issues.
After the inspection you should:
- Timely complete any necessary or required follow-up.
- Timely challenge unwanted findings or conclusions.
- Implement any lessons learned.
- Use the audit to ensure future compliance.
- Prepare for further investigations or follow-up.
The attorneys at Brooks, Tarulis & Tibble, LLC can advise you and your business on your rights in such situations and address your concerns. Please call if you have any questions or issues.