[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 29841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13782]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before July 31, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records 
Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 709A, 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. Teaster can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-
1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, 
Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and 
Health Administration, Room 709A, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 
22203-1984. Ms. Teaster can be reached at [email protected] (Internet 
E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   

I. Background

    The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (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. 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. 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 Training Plans. 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 may be viewed 
on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) 
and selecting ``Statutory and Regulatory Information'' then ``Paperwork 
Reduction Act submission (http://www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm)'', or by 
contacting the employee listed above in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

III. 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.
    OMB Number: 1219-0009.
    OMB Number: 1219-0009.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Frequency: On Occasion.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc.: 30 CFR 48.3 and 48.23.
    Total Respondents: 1,294.
    Total Responses: 1,294.
    Average Time per Response: 8 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 10,352 hours.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.
    Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $2,588.
    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 23, 2001.
Brenda C. Teaster,
Acting Chief, Records Management Division.
[FR Doc. 01-13782 Filed 5-31-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M