Proposed Collection; Comment Request
[12/06/2006]
Volume 71, Number 234, Page 70795
[[Page 70795]]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment Standards Administration
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
ACTION: Notice.
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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 Employment Standards Administration is soliciting
comments concerning the proposed collection: Maintenance of Receipts
for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine Operator. A copy of the proposed
information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office
listed below in the addresses section of this Notice.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the
addresses section below on or before February 5, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Ms. Hazel M. Bell, U.S. Department of Labor, 200
Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone
(202) 693-0418, fax (202) 693-1451, E-mail bell.hazel@dol.gov. Please
use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or E-
mail).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the
Federal Black Lung Benefits Act (FBLBA). 30 U.S.C. 933(a) requires coal
mine operators to secure the payment of benefits for which they may
become liable by: (a) qualifying as a self-insurer in accordance with
regulations prescribed by the Secretary, or (b) insuring the payment of
such benefits with any stock or mutual company or association, or with
any other person or fund, including any state fund, while such company,
association, person or fund is authorized under the laws of any state
to insure workers' compensation. 30 U.S.C. 933(d) includes a civil
penalty of not more than $1,000 which may be assessed to coal mine
operators by the Secretary for each day during which the operator fails
to secure the payment of benefits. 20 CFR 725.531, requires self-
insured operators or insurance carriers to retain receipts for black
lung benefit payments made for five years after the date on which the
receipt was executed. A canceled check is considered adequate receipt
of payment. This information collection is currently approved for use
through June 30, 2007.
II. Review Focus
The Department of Labor 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.
III. Current Actions
The Department of Labor seeks approval for the extension of this
information collection in order that coal mine operators and insurers
can provide evidence, as necessary, that payment to claimants has been
made and received.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Employment Standards Administration.
Title: Maintenance of Receipts for Benefits Paid by a Coal Mine
Operator.
OMB Number: 1215-0124.
Affected Public: Business or other for profit and State, Local or
Tribal Government.
Recordkeeping: On occasion.
Total Respondents: 140.
Total Responses: 140.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0.
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: November 30, 2006.
Ruben Wiley,
Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, Division of
Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration and
Planning, Employment Standards Administration.
[FR Doc. E6-20590 Filed 12-5-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-27-P
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