Volume 61, Number 140, Page 37771

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Maintenance of Independent Contractor Register;

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 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 psilvey, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can be reached at (703) 235-1910 (voice) or (703) 235-5551 (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 Fesak.George@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (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.

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.