02-26384. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Independent Contractor Register

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a pre-clearance 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.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before December 16, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to David Meyer, Director, Administration and Management, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2125, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via e-mail to [e-mail], along with an original printed copy. Mr. Meyer can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jane E. Tarr, Program Analyst, Records Management Group, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2171, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Ms. Tarr can be reached at [e-mail] (Internet E-mail), [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Independent contractors performing services or construction at mines are subject to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. 30 CFR 45.4(b) requires mine operators 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 and the location on the mine of the work to be performed; MSHA location on the mine of the work to be performed; MSHA identification number, if any; and the contractor's business 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.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

* 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;

* 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;

* Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

* 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 Addresses section of this notice or viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing “Statutory and Regulatory Information” and “Federal Register Documents.”

III. 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 part 45.

Total Respondents: 15,292.

Frequency: On occasion.

Total Responses: 99,398.

Average Time Per Response: 0.87 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 13,250 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Cost: $174,789.

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 at Arlington, Virginia, this 10th day of October, 2002.

David L. Meyer,

Director, Office of Administration and Management.