Title 30 C.F.R. part 45 sets forth
information requirements and procedures for independent contractors
to obtain a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
identification number and procedures for service of documents upon
independent contractors. The information is used by MSHA during
inspections to determine proper responsibility for compliance with
safety and health standards and to facilitate proper service of
documents. This information is reviewed by MSHA inspectors
semi-annually at surface mines, and quarterly at underground mines.
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.
The decrease in respondents,
responses, and cost is due to a decrease in metal and non metal
mines that use Independent Contractors. The increase in hours and
decrease in cost burden result of moving the burden for contract
miners under 30 C.F.R. 45(b) that was previously counted as a cost
burden and should have been counted as an hour burden.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.