[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 189 (Friday, September 30, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 57327]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19550]



[[Page 57327]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Independent Contractor Registration and 
Identification

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a pre-clearance 
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 Independent Contractor 
Registration and Identification.

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 29, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and 
Health Administration, John Rowlett, Director, Management Services 
Division, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2134, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. 
Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or 
via e-mail to [email protected], along with an original printed 
copy. Mr. Rowlett can be reached at (202) 693-9827 (voice), or (202) 
693-9801 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact the employee listed in the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Independent contractors performing services or construction at 
mines are subject to the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. 
Title 30 CFR 45.4(b) requires mine operators 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 and the location on 
the mine of the work to be performed; MSHA identification number, if 
any; and the contractor's business 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.
    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 of 1977 (Mine Act) and are responsible for 
violations of the Mine 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 requirement related to Independent Contractor 
Registration and Identification. MSHA is particularly interested in 
comments that:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of MSHA's functions, including 
whether the information has practical utility;
     Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
     Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and
     Address 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) to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the employee listed in the ADDRESSES section of 
this notice or viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA home page 
(http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing ``Compliance Assistance'', 
``Compliance Information'' and the ``Paperwork Reduction Act 
Submissions.''

III. 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.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Independent Contractor Registration and Identification.
    OMB Number: 1219-0040.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR part 45.
    Total Respondents: 15,140.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 100,665.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 13,396 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $183,742.
    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 at Arlington, Virginia, this 20th day of September, 2005.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 05-19550 Filed 9-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P