Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: July 13, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 133)]

[Notices]

[Page 37814-37815]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr13jy99-120]

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Independent Contractor Register

AGENCY: Notice.

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed.

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to the Independent Contractor Register. MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

‹bullet› Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

‹bullet› Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

‹bullet› Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

‹bullet› Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the Addressee section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 13, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to tomalley@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. O'Malley can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and

[[Page 37815]]

Health Administration, Room 719, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Mrs. O'Malley can be reached at TOMalley@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

   Independent contractors performing services or construction at mines are subject to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. 30 CFR 45.4(b) requires the mine operator to maintain a written summary of information concerning each independent contractor present on the mine site. The information includes the trade name, business address, and telephone number; a brief description of the work to be performed; MSHA identification number, if any; and the contractor's address of record. This information is required to be provided for inspection and enforcement purposes by the mine operator to any MSHA inspector upon request.

2. Current Actions

   The information obtained from the contractors is used by MSHA during inspections to determine proper responsibility for compliance with safety and health standards.

   Type of Review: Extension.

   Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

   Title: Independent Contractor Register.

   OMB Number: 1219-0040.

   Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

   Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 45.4.

   Total Respondents: 14,235.

   Frequency: On occasion.

   Total Responses: 92,527.

   Average Time per Response: 0.1333 hours (8 minutes).

   Estimated Total Burden Hours: 12,334.

   Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): 0.

   Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $200,396.

   Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record.

   Dated: July 8, 1999. Theresa M. O'Malley, Chief, Records Management Branch.

   [FR Doc. 99-17780Filed7-12-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4510-43-M