2023-23857. Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled “Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Survey” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a “Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations” notice on August 23, 2023, to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC did not receive comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments.

CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that:

(a) 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;

(b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d) 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 submission of responses; and

(e) Assess information collection costs.

To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639–7570. Comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395–5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication.

Proposed Project

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program Survey (OMB Control No. 0920–1373, Exp. 10/31/2023)—Extension—National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

The Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) conducts independent investigations of fire fighter (FF) line-of-duty deaths (LODD) and recommends ways to prevent deaths and injuries. In 2003, an evaluation was conducted to determine the extent to which recommendations from NIOSH investigations of FF fatalities are being implemented by fire departments. Since then, there have been changes to the Program recommendations and methods of disseminating FFFIPP reports. For example, there have been changes to: (1) the details and types of recommendations for preventing FF fatalities; and (2) the method to disseminate the FFFIPP reports to FDs (driven in large part by cost). Dissemination methods have evolved from hardcopy mailings to FDs, to internet-based, with notifications of new FFFIPP reports by the fire service media and if FDs sign-up at the NIOSH website for notifications of new reports.

Understanding how, or if NIOSH recommendations are used by various types of FDs will allow a better understanding of barriers to the use of proven prevention recommendations and help identify approaches to improve the delivery of services to FDs. Additionally, we will gain insight into whether changes to the communication and dissemination have impacted the reach of these recommendations. Knowing if different types of FDs are aware of and willing to access FFFIPP reports and recommendations in non-print formats is critical, as these recommendations cannot have the intended impact of saving fire fighter lives if large numbers of FDs do not know where to find NIOSH reports or have the resources to access them.

The purpose of this data collection is to assess FD implementation of the NIOSH FFFIPP recommendations and identify barriers to implementation of recommendations. Results will provide an understanding of current FD operational procedures, insight into MV-related activities and related policies, and identify whether FFFIPP recommendations are being utilized by FDs. Findings will inform strategies for communication of future recommendations and identify areas for potential intervention projects in order to improve the delivery of services and help ensure an effective and efficient stakeholder experience.

The estimate for burden hours is based on a pilot test of the survey instrument by eight FD personnel. In the pilot test, the average time to complete the survey, including time for reviewing instructions, gathering needed information, and completing the survey was 10–25 minutes. Based on these results, the estimated time range for actual respondents to complete the survey is 10–25 minutes. For the purposes of estimating burden hours, the upper limit of this range is used. There are screening questions at the beginning of the survey so all respondents may not actually participate.

The respondent universe is based on: (1) 4500 fire departments; (2) eight strata (region, department type): and (3) position (firefighter, chief, company officer). An estimated 13,500 respondents are anticipated to participate in the survey. The annual respondent burden is estimated to be 4,050 hours, and there is no cost to respondents other than their time to participate.

Estimated Annualized Burden Hours

Type of respondents	Form name	Number of respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Average burden per response (in hours)
Fire fighters	Survey	4,500	1	18/60
Fire Chiefs	Survey	4,500	1	18/60
Company Officers	Survey	4,500	1	18/60

Jeffrey M. Zirger,

Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.