Approved consistent with an understanding that, given the narrow geographic scope of this project relative the locations where low-seam mines are found and the limited applicability to low-seam longwall mining, NISOSH will characterize the findings of this study accordingly.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2013
36 Months From Approved
534
0
0
216
0
0
0
0
0
Knee injuries in low-seam mining are estimated to have cost the industry nearly $3 million in 2007. Furthermore, there can be a drastic reduction in quality of life after sustaining a knee injury. For these reasons, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has begun investigating methods to reduce knee injuries in low-seam mines. The current study is aimed at evaluating the new kneel-assist devices in the mining environment. This study will be divided into two phases. During Phase I, a small group of mine workers will be used to provide feedback regarding various design aspects of the kneepad. With this feedback, a final prototype kneepad will be designed which will then be field tested (Phase II). Mine workers used in the Phase I will not be used for Phase II. Mine workers participating in phase II will be required to respond to inquiries at a total of seven time points. All mine workers (Phase I and Phase II) agreeing to be a part of the study will initially be asked some basic demographic information at the commencement of the field evaluation. These questions may include age, sex, years of experience in mining, and job type. These questions will become useful when trying to group data at a later time point. Mine workers participating in phase I will then be given the prototype kneel-assist devices and asked to evaluate them one month after beginning use. These mine workers may go through several iterations of prototypes, each time answering the same questions after using the new design for one month. Once satisfactory prototypes have been developed, Phase II will commence. At the completion of field testing, NIOSH will have concrete evidence to support the use of their newly designed kneel-assist devices. With these data, NIOSH may then publish articles informing the mining industry of the existence of these new kneel-assist devices. In this way, NIOSH hopes to make a positive impact on the low-seam mining industry.
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.
Form 1 Phase II - 1,3,6 Months Form
Supporting Statement B1.doc
Phase II - 1,3,6 Months Form