[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 23, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8993-8994]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-4266]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Identification of Independent Contractors

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 pubic 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. A copy 
of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by 
contacting the employee listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before April 24, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Diane B. Hill, Program Analysis Officer, 
Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are 
encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet 
E-mail to [email protected], along with an original printed copy. Ms. Hill 
can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 
(facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane B. Hill, Program Analysis 
Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and

[[Page 8994]]

Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, Room 719, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-
1984. Ms. Hill can be reached at [email protected] (Internet E-mail), 
(703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Title 30 CFR 45.3 provides that independent contractors may 
voluntarily obtain a permanent MSHA identification number by submitting 
to MSHA their trade name and business address, a telephone number, an 
estimate of the annual hours worked by the contractor on mine property 
for the previous calendar year, and the address of record for service 
of documents upon the contractor. Independent contractors performing 
services or construction at mines are subject to the Federal Mine 
Safety and Health Act and are responsible for violations of the Act 
committed by them or their employees.
    Although Independent contractors are not required to apply for the 
identification number, they will be assigned one by MSHA the first time 
they are cited for a violation of the Mine Act. MSHA uses the 
information to issue a permanent MSHA identification number to the 
independent contractor.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to Identification of Independent 
Contractors. 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.
    MSHA uses the information to issue a permanent MSHA identification 
number to the independent contractor. This number allows MSHA to keep 
track of a contractor's violation history so that appropriate civil 
penalties can be assessed for violations of the Mine Act or its 
accompanying mandatory health and safety standards.

III. Current Actions

    MSHA is requesting that the approval be extended for three years.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Identification of Independent Contractors.
    OMB Number: 1219-0043.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 45.3.
    Total Respondents: 1,687.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 1,687.
    Average Time per Response: 11 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 191 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $368.
    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: February 16, 2000.
George M. Fresak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 00-4266 Filed 2-22-00; 8:45 am]
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