00-4266. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Identification of Independent Contractors

ACTION:

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 pubic 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. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the employee listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before April 24, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Diane B. Hill, 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 Internet E-mail to [e-mail], along with an original printed copy. Ms. Hill can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Diane B. Hill, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 719, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Hill can be reached at [e-mail] (Internet E-mail), [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Title 30 CFR 45.3 provides that independent contractors may voluntarily obtain a permanent MSHA identification number by submitting to MSHA their trade name and business address, a telephone number, an estimate of the annual hours worked by the contractor on mine property for the previous calendar year, and the address of record for service of documents upon the contractor. Independent contractors performing services or construction at mines are subject to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act and are responsible for violations of the Act committed by them or their employees.

Although Independent contractors are not required to apply for the identification number, they will be assigned one by MSHA the first time they are cited for a violation of the Mine Act. MSHA uses the information to issue a permanent MSHA identification number to the independent contractor.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to Identification of Independent Contractors. 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.

MSHA uses the information to issue a permanent MSHA identification number to the independent contractor. This number allows MSHA to keep track of a contractor's violation history so that appropriate civil penalties can be assessed for violations of the Mine Act or its accompanying mandatory health and safety standards.

III. Current Actions

MSHA is requesting that the approval be extended for three years.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Identification of Independent Contractors.

OMB Number: 1219-0043.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 45.3.

Total Respondents: 1,687.

Frequency: On occasion.

Total Responses: 1,687.

Average Time per Response: 11 minutes.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 191 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Cost: $368.

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: February 16, 2000.

George M. Fresak,

Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.