96-18379. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Maintenance of Independent Contractor Register; Notice

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 140 (Friday, July 19, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 37771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18379]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Maintenance of Independent Contractor 
Register; 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 reinstatement of the 
information collection related to the Maintenance of Independent 
Contractor Register. 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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 17, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed to Patricia W. Silvey, 
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are 
encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to 
[e-mail], along with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can 
be reached at [phone] (voice) or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
George M. Fesak, Director, Office of Program Evaluation and Information 
Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-
1984. Mr. Fesak 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. Section 
45.4 of the Act 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.

II. 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: Reinstatement (without change).
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Maintenance of Independent Contractor Register.
    OMB Number: 1219-0040.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 45.5.
    Total Respondents: 3,236.
    Frequency: Semi-Annually (Surface mines) and Quarterly (Underground 
mines).
    Total Responses: 90,760.
    Average Time per Response: 0.1333 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 12,098 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: None.
    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 15, 1996.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 96-18379 Filed 7-18-96; 8:45 am]
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