Noise is a harmful physical agent and
one of the most pervasive health hazards in mining. Repeated
exposure to high levels of sound over time causes occupational
noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is a serious, often
profound physical impairment for miners, with far-reaching
psychological and social effects. NIHL can be distinguished from
aging and other factors that can contribute to hearing loss and it
can be prevented. According to the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), NIHL is among the "top ten"
leading occupational illnesses and injuries. For many years, NIHL
was regarded as an inevitable consequence of working in a mine.
Mining, an intensely mechanized industry, relies on drills,
crushers, compressors, conveyors, trucks, loaders, and other
heavy-duty equipment for the excavation, haulage, and processing of
material. This equipment creates high sound levels, exposing
machine operators as well as miners working nearby to occupational
noise that can contribute to hearing loss. MSHA, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, the military, and other
organizations around the world have established and enforced
standards to reduce the loss of hearing. Quieter equipment,
isolation of workers from noise sources, and limiting the time
workers are exposed to noise are among the many well-accepted
methods that will prevent NIHL. Records of miners’ exposures to
noise are necessary so that mine operators and MSHA can evaluate
the need for and effectiveness of engineering controls,
administrative controls, and personal protective equipment to
protect miners from harmful levels of noise that can result in
hearing loss. However, the Agency believes that extensive records
for this purpose are not needed. Instead, the requirements are a
performance-oriented approach to monitoring. Records of miners’
hearing examinations enable mine operators and MSHA to ensure that
the controls are effective in preventing NIHL for individual
miners. Records of training are needed to confirm that miners
receive the information they need to become active participants in
hearing conservation efforts.
US Code:
30
USC 813(h) Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977
US Code: 30
USC 811 Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977
The increase in responses,
burden hours, and costs was due to an increase in the number of
respondents/mines. Respondents: Increase of 460 (from 12,493 to
12,953) Responses: Increase of 5,249 (from 179,186 to 184,435)
Hours: Increase of 385 (from 13,295 to 13,680) Costs: Increase of
$904 (from $31,022 to $31,926)
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.
OMB 1219-0120 Sup Statement 2018.doc
1219-0120 60-Day FRN 2018.pdf
Occupational Noise Exposure