2015-24073. Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Pattern of Violations

AGENCY:

Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION:

Request for public comments.

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 collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This program helps to assure 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 on the information collection for Pattern of Violations.

DATES:

All comments must be received on or before November 23, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

Comments concerning the information collection requirements of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.

• Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket number MSHA-2015-0028.
• Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
• Hand Delivery: USDOL—Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk in Suite 4E401 on the 4th floor via the East elevator.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [e-mail] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

On January 23, 2013, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) published Pattern of Violations (POV) final rule (78 FR 5056). Under the Mine Act, MSHA is required to issue a pattern of violations notice to any mine operator that demonstrates a disregard for the health and safety of miners through a pattern of significant and substantial violations. A significant and substantial violation is one that contributes to a safety or health hazard that is reasonably likely to result in a reasonably serious injury or illness. The pattern of violations provision helps to ensure that mine operators manage health and safety conditions at mines and find and fix the root causes of significant and substantial violations before they become a hazard to miners. The final rule simplified the pattern of violations criteria, to improve consistency in applying the criteria, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness in issuance of a pattern of violations notice, which will result in a closure order for areas of a mine where a significant and substantial violation occurs. This collection encourages chronic violators to comply with the Mine Act and MSHA's safety and health standards. Paragraph 30 CFR 104.2(a)(8) provides that MSHA will consider mitigating circumstances in determining whether to issue a pattern of violations notice. Among the items MSHA could consider is an approved corrective action program to reduce significant and substantial violations accompanied by positive results.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Pattern of Violations. MSHA is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
• Suggest methods to 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 submission of responses.

The information collection request will be available on http://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed. Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made available on http://www.regulations.gov and http://www.reginfo.gov.

The public may also examine publicly available documents at USDOL-Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk in Suite 4E401 on the 4th floor via the East elevator.

Questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

This request for collection of information contains provisions for Pattern of Violations. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this information collection request.

Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

OMB Number: 1219-0150.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 100.

Frequency: On occasion.

Number of Responses: 100.

Annual Burden Hours: 13,600 hours.

Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $10,000.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and 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.

Sheila McConnell,

Certifying Officer.