[Federal Register: May 8, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 89)] [Notices] [Page 25525] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr08my98-89] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Training Plans 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 extension of the information collection related to the submission of training plans as addressed in 30 CFR 48.3 and 48.23. 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 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. DATES: Submit comments on or before July 7, 1998. ADDRESSES: Send comments 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@msha.gov, 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 gfesak@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. 801, et seq. (Mine Act), recognizes that the role of education and training in the improvement of miner health and safety is an important element of federal efforts to make the nation's mines safer places in which to work. Section 115(a) of the Mine Act states that ``each operator of a coal or other mine shall have a health and safety program which shall be approved by the Secretary.'' Title 30, C.F.R. Secs. 48.3 and 48.23 specifically address the requirements for training plans. The standards are intended to ensure that miners will be effectively trained in matters affecting their health and safety, with the ultimate goal being the reduction of frequency and severity of the injuries in the nation's mines. II. Current Actions Approved training plans are used to implement training programs for training new miners, training newly employed experienced miners, training miners for new tasks, annual refresher training, and hazard training. The plans are also used by MSHA to ensure that all miners are receiving the training necessary to perform their jobs in the safest manner possible. Type of Review: Extension Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Title: Training Plans--30 C.F.R. Secs. 48.3 and 48.23 OMB Number: 1219-0009. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average time Cite/reference Total Frequency Total per response Burden (hrs) respondents responses (hrs) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48.3 and 48.23.................. 1,300 Annually.............................................. 1,300 8 10,400 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals...................... 1,300 Annually.............................................. 1,300 8 10,400 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0 Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining: $2,600. 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: May 1, 1998. George M. Fesak, Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources. [FR Doc. 98-12274 Filed 5-7-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-43-M