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.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2013
36 Months From Approved
534
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0
216
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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.