Ssp-1218-0199_(4-16-13)[1]

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR THE

INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS OF THE

STANDARD ON WALKING-WORKING SURFACES

(29 CFR PART 1910, SUBPART D)¹

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)

CONTROL NUMBER 1218-0199

(April 2013)

1. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or

administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

The main objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (i.e., “the Act”) is to “assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” (29 U.S.C. 651). To achieve this objective, the Act authorizes “the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health standards” (29 U.S.C. 651).

Section 6(b)(7) of the Act specifies that “[a]ny standard promulgated under this subsection shall prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning as are necessary to insure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment, and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure.” This provision goes on to state that “[t]he Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may by rule promulgated pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, make appropriate modifications in the foregoing requirements relating to the use of labels or other forms of warning . . . as may be warranted by experience, information, or medical or technological developments acquired subsequent to the promulgation of the relevant standard” (29 U.S.C. 655).

With regard to recordkeeping, the Act specifies that “[e]ach employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the Secretary . . . such records . . . as the Secretary . . . may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of this Act . . . .” (29 U.S.C. 657). The Act states further that “[t]he Secretary . . . shall prescribe such rules and regulations as [he/she] may deem necessary to carry out [his/her] responsibilities under this Act, including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of an employer’s establishment” (29 U.S.C. 657).

Under the authority granted by the Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (i.e., “OSHA” or “the Agency”) published at 29 CFR part 1910, subpart D, a standard for general industry titled “Walking-Working Surfaces” (i.e., “the Standard"). Items 2 and 12 below describe in detail the specific information collection requirements of the Standard.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection,

indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

The collections of information contained in the Walking-Working Surfaces Standard are necessary to protect workers from the collapse of overloaded floors, outrigger scaffolds, and the failure of defective portable metal ladders.

Paragraph 1910.22(d)(1) requires that in every building or other structure, or part thereof, used for mercantile, business, industrial, or storage purposes, the loads approved by the building official shall be marked on plates of approved design which shall be supplied and securely affixed by the owner of the building, or his duly authorized agent, in a conspicuous place in each space to which they relate. Such plates shall not be removed or defaced but, if lost, removed, or defaced, shall be replaced by the owner or his agent. Under paragraph 1910.26(c)(2)(vii), portable metal ladders having defects are to be marked and taken out of service until repaired by either the maintenance department or the manufacturer.

Paragraph 1910.28(e)(3) specifies that unless outrigger scaffolds are designed by a licensed professional engineer, they shall be constructed and erected in accordance with table D-16 of this section. A copy of the detailed drawings and specifications showing the sizes and spacing of members shall be kept on the job.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated,

electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

Employers may use automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological information-collection techniques, or other forms of information technology (e.g., electronic submission of responses), when establishing and maintaining the required records. The Agency wrote the paperwork requirements of the Standard in performance-oriented language (i.e., in terms of what data to collect, not how to record the data).

3. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available

cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose(s) described in A.2 above.

The requirements to collect and maintain information are specific to each employer and worker involved, and no other source or agency duplicates these requirements or can make the required information available to OSHA (i.e., the required information is available only from employers).

3. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods

used to reduce the burden.

The information collection requirements specified by the Standard do not have a significant impact

on a substantial number of small entities.

3. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is or is not conducted

less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing the burden.

The Agency believes that the information collection frequencies required by the Standard are the minimum frequencies necessary to fulfill its mandate “to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” as specified by the Act at 29 U.S.C. 651.

3. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

· requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

· requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days

after receipt of it;

· requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

· requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;

· in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that

can be generalized to the universe of study;

· requiring the use of statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

· that includes a pledge of confidentially that is not supported by authority established in statute or

regulation that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the

pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential

use; or

· requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the

agency can prove that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentially to the

extent permitted by law.

No special circumstances exist that require employers to collect information using the procedures specified by this item. The requirements are within the guidelines set forth in 5 CFR 1320.5.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal

Register of the Agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection before submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the Agency in response to those comments specifically address comments received on cost and hour burdens.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three years -- even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register on February 13, 2013 (78 FR 10212) soliciting public comments on its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of the information collection requirements specified by the Standard on Walking-Working Surfaces (29 CFR part 1910, subpart D). This notice was part of a preclearance consultation program that provided the general public and government agencies with an opportunity to comment. The Agency did not receive any comments in response to this notice.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gift to respondents, other than reenumeration of contractors or grantees.

The Agency will not provide payments or gifts to the respondents.

9. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

The paperwork requirements specified by the Standard do not involve confidential information.

9. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the Agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

None of the provisions in the Standard require sensitive information.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

• Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation

of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special

surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample

(fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected

to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated

hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include

burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

• If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

• Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14.

Burden-Hour and Cost Determinations

Using U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses, 2006, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2008, OSHA estimates that there are 6.7 million establishments and 112 million affected workers. The Agency assumes, on average, that there is one portable metal ladder for each establishment.

Data from the Census Bureau indicates that there is a 12.4 percent annual turnover rate of establishments in the private sector.² The Agency estimates that 830,800 new places of employment are constructed each year. Of these 830,800 new places of employment, OSHA estimates that only five percent (41,540) are non-commercial (e.g., manufacturing, etc.).

With respect to the wage and fringe benefit rate data for the one occupational category involved in the information collection requirements described below (i.e., average production worker), the hourly wage rate and benefits data were taken from Employer Costs for Employee Compensation—September 2012, Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2011.

• Average Production Worker $21.52

1. § 1910.22(d)(1) -- Load Limit Marking

OSHA estimates that approximately 80 percent of non-commercial places of employment (33,232) would already be required by local building officials to post floor loading limit signs even if OSHA did not have the requirement to do so. This would leave 8,308 new places of employment that would need these signs to meet OSHA requirements. In addition, while the Standard requires that plates be securely affixed, the Agency recognizes that, on rare occasions, some of the signs which have already been posted may need to be reposted if they are lost, removed or defaced. OSHA has no information on the number of signs which may have to be replaced. Therefore, for purposes of this ICR, the Agency estimates that approximately 100 places of employment may have signs that become lost, removed or defaced requiring the owner to have to repost the signs. OSHA estimates that it will take 20 minutes (.33 hr.) for an average production worker to acquire a replacement sign and to post it.

Burden hours: (8,308 + 100) x .33 hour = 2,775 hours

Cost: 2,775 hours x $21.52 = $59,718

2. § 1910.26(c)(2)(vii) -- Marking of Portable Metal Ladders Having Defects

The Agency assumes, on average, each establishment has at least one portable metal ladder (6,700,000) and that when the ladder becomes defective most employers simply dispose of the ladder rather than repair it. OSHA estimates that only 3 percent of the ladders (201,000) will be defective and only a third (33%) of the defective ladders (67,000) will be marked with a tag and serviced by either the maintenance department or the manufacturer.

OSHA estimates that it would take three minutes (.05 hour) for an average production worker to mark a defective ladder.

Burden hours: 67,000 ladders x .05 hour = 3,350 hours

Cost: 3,350 hours x $21.52 = $72,092

3. § 1910.28(e)(3) -- Maintaining and Disclosing Drawings and Specifications of Outrigger Scaffolds Designed by a Registered Professional Engineer

OSHA does not believe that outrigger scaffolds are used in general industry. Therefore, the Agency is assuming zero burden hours and costs for this provision. ³

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the

collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14.)

The estimates of the total annual cost burdens to respondents or record keepers resulting from this collection of information are included in Item 12.

14. Provide estimates of the annualized cost to the Federal Government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 into a single table.

OSHA estimates that a compliance officer (GS-12, step 5), at an hourly wage rate of 37.37⁴, spends about five minutes (.08 hour) during an inspection reviewing the documents required by the Standard. The Agency determines that its compliance officers will conduct about 1,056 inspections during each year covered by this ICR.⁵ OSHA considers other expenses, such as equipment, overhead, and support staff salaries, as normal operating expenses that would occur without the collection of information requirements specified by the Standard. Therefore, the annual total cost of these paperwork requirements to the Federal government is:

Cost: 1,056 inspections x .08 hour x $37.37 = $3,157

14. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

There are no program changes or adjustments associated with this Information Collection Request. The Agency is requesting that it retain its current burden hour estimate of 6,125.

14. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulations, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

OSHA will not publish the information collected under the Standard.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information

collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

No forms are available for the Agency to display the expiration date.

17. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

OSHA` is not seeking exception to the certification statement.

2. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS.

This supporting statement does not contain any collection of information requirements that employ statistical methods.

Table 1 -- Summary of Burden Hours and Cost

	Information collection Requirement	Existing Burden Hours	Requested Burden Hours	Adjustments	Estimated Cost	Responses
1	§ 1910.22(d)(1) -- Load Limit Marking	2,775	2,775	0	$59,718	8,408
2	§ 1910.26(c)(2)(vii) -- Marking of Portable Metal Ladders Having Defects	3,350	3,350	0	$72,092	67,000
3	§ 1910.28(e)(3) -- Maintaining and Disclosing Drawings and Specifications of Outrigger Scaffolds Designed by a Registered Professional Engineer	0	0	0	0	0
	Total	6,125	6,125	0	$131,810	75,408

1The purpose of this supporting Statement is to analyze and describe the burden hours and costs associated with provisions of this Standard that contain paperwork requirements; this supporting statement does not provide information or guidance on how to comply with, or how to enforce, the Standard.

2Technically, this is referred to as the “birth” rate of establishments. 2005-2006 Statistics of U.S. Business dynamic data at http://www.census.gov/csd/susbdyn.htm.

3The Agency published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in 2010 (75 FR 28862) proposing to remove this provision.

4 Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management; 2012 General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables; Salary Table 2012-RUS, http://www.opm.gov/oca/12 tables/pdf/rus_h.pdf.

5OSHA estimated the number of inspections by multiplying its inspection rate (1.4%) by the number of establishments covered by this ICR (i.e., 75,408 establishments x 1.4% = 1,056 inspections).

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