[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 171 (Friday, September 4, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45859-45860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21376]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[30Day-09-09BW]


Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a 
list of information collection requests under review by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call 
the CDC Reports Clearance Officer at (404) 639-5960 or send an e-mail 
to [email protected]. Send written comments to CDC Desk Officer, Office of 
Management and Budget, Washington, DC or by fax to (202) 395-5806. 
Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

    Postural Analysis in Low-Seam Mines--Existing collection without an 
OMB control number--National Institute for Occupational Safety and 
Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

    NIOSH, under Public Law 91-596, sections 20 and 22 (section 20-22, 
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970) has the responsibility to 
conduct research relating to innovative methods, techniques, and 
approaches dealing with occupational safety and health problems.
    According to the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 
injury database, 227 knee injuries were reported in underground coal 
mining in 2007. With data from the National Institute for Occupational 
Safety and Health (NIOSH), it can be estimated that the financial 
burden of knee injuries was nearly three million dollars in 2007.
    Typically, mine workers utilize kneepads to better distribute the 
pressures at the knee. The effectiveness of these kneepads is to be 
investigated in a study by NIOSH. Thus, NIOSH will be determining the 
forces, stresses, and moments at the knee while in postures associated 
with low-seam mining. At this time, the postures utilized by low-seam 
mine workers and their frequency of use are unknown. Therefore, before 
conducting this larger, experimental study, the existing collection 
without an OMB control number was required.
    The aim of the field study described in this document was to 
determine the postures predominantly used by low-seam mine workers such 
that they may complete the various tasks associated with their job 
duties. A questionnaire was developed for each of the major job types 
seen in low-seam mines with continuous miners (continuous miner 
operator, roof bolter operator, shuttle car operator, mobile bridge 
operator, mechanic, beltman, maintenance shift worker, foreman). The 
questionnaire asked basic demographic information (e.g., time in job 
type, years in mining, age). Additionally, a series of questions were 
asked such that it could be determined if a mine worker is likely to 
have a knee injury, even if it is undiagnosed. These questions were 
developed with the help of a physical therapist. A schematic of 
possible postures was then presented to the mine workers and they were 
asked to identify the primary two postures they utilize to complete 
their job duties. The questionnaire then asked mine workers to identify 
the primary postures they utilize to complete specific tasks (e.g., 
hanging curtain, building stoppings) that are part of their job duties. 
Finally,

[[Page 45860]]

mine workers were asked to identify those postures that are least and 
most comfortable/stressful. There is no cost to respondents other than 
their time. The total estimated annual burden hours are 12.

                                        Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Number of    Average burden
              Respondent                        Form name            Number of     responses per   per response
                                                                    respondents     respondent      (in hours)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuous miner operator.............  Continuous Miner                       5               1           10/60
                                         Operator Form.
Foreman...............................  Foreman Form............               5               1           10/60
Maintenance Shift Worker..............  Maintenance Shift Worker              10               1           10/60
                                         Form.
Mobile Bridge Operator................  Mobile Bridge Operator                10               1           10/60
                                         Form.
Roof Bolter Operator..................  Roof Bolter Operator                  14               1           10/60
                                         Form.
Scoop Operator........................  Scoop Operator Form.....               6               1           10/60
Shuttle Car Operator..................  Shuttle Car Operator                   6               1           10/60
                                         Form.
Mechanic..............................  Mechanic Form...........               6               1           10/60
Beltman...............................  Beltman Form............               2               1           10/60
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    Dated: August 27, 2009.
Maryam I. Daneshvar,
Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention.
[FR Doc. E9-21376 Filed 9-3-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P