[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 162 (Monday, August 22, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 52352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21382]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of Workers' Compensation Programs


Proposed Renewal of Existing 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 Office of Workers' Compensation Programs is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed collection: Agreement and Undertaking 
(OWCP-1). 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 October 21, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Mr. Vincent Alvarez, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone 
(202) 693-0372, fax (202) 693-2447, E-mail [email protected]. 
Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or 
E-mail).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
    I. Background: Coal mine operators desiring to be self-insurers are 
required by law (30 U.S.C. 933 BL) to produce security by way of an 
indemnity bond, security deposit, a letter of credit, or 501(c)(21) 
trust. Once a company's application to become self-insured is reviewed 
by the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation (DCMWC) and it is 
determined the company is potentially eligible, an amount of security 
is determined to guarantee the payment of benefits required by the Act. 
The OWCP-1 form is executed by the self-insurer who agrees to abide by 
the Department's rules and authorizes the Secretary, in the event of 
default, to file suit to secure payment from a bond underwriter or in 
the case of a Federal Reserve account, to sell the securities for the 
same purpose. A company cannot be authorized to self-insure until this 
requirement is met. Regulations establishing this requirement are at 20 
CFR 726.110 for Black Lung. This information collection is currently 
approved for use through October 31, 2011.
    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 the approval of 
the extension of this currently approved information collection in 
order to determine if a coal mine company is potentially eligible to 
become self-insured. The information is reviewed to insure that the 
correct amounts of negotiable securities are deposited or indemnity 
bond is purchased and that in a case of default OWCP has the authority 
to utilize the securities or bond. If this Agreement and Undertaking 
were not required, OWCP would not be empowered to utilize the company's 
security deposit to meet its financial responsibilities for the payment 
of black lung benefits in case of default.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
    Title: Agreement and Undertaking.
    OMB Number: 1240-0039.
    Agency Number: OWCP-1.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit.
    Total Respondents: 20.
    Total Responses: 20.
    Time per Response: 15 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 5.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $9.
    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: August 17, 2011.
Vincent Alvarez,
Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, 
U.S. Department of Labor.
[FR Doc. 2011-21382 Filed 8-19-11; 8:45 am]
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