1219-0034 Supporting Statement 2023 (2)

Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment

OMB Control Number: 1219-0034

OMB Expiration Date: 12/31/2023

Supporting Statement for Records of Tests and Examinations of

Personnel Hoisting Equipment

Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

This ICR seeks to extend, without change, an existing information collection request.

OMB Control Number: 1219-0034

Information Collection Request Title: Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment

Authority:

Surface Metal and Nonmetal Mines

• 30 CFR 56.19022 - Initial measurement

• 30 CFR 56.19023 - Examinations

• 30 CFR 56.19121 - Recordkeeping

Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines

• 30 CFR 57.19022 - Initial measurement

• 30 CFR 57.19023 - Examinations

• 30 CFR 57.19121 - Recordkeeping

Underground Coal Mines

• 30 CFR 75.1400 - Hoisting equipment; general

• 30 CFR 75.1400-2 - Hoists; tests of safety catches; records

• 30 CFR 75.1400-3 - Daily examination of hoisting equipment

• 30 CFR 75.1400-4 - Certifications and records of daily examinations

• 30 CFR 75.1432 - Initial measurement.

• 30 CFR 75.1433 - Examinations

Surface Coal Mines and Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines

• 30 CFR 77.1403 - Daily examination of hoisting equipment

• 30 CFR 77.1404 - Certifications and records of daily examinations

• 30 CFR 77.1432 - Initial measurement

• 30 CFR 77.1433 - Examinations

• 30 CFR 77.1906 - Hoists; daily inspection

Collection Instrument(s): None

General Instructions

A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(i)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses or employ statistical methods” is checked "Yes", Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

A. 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.

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended (Mine Act),

30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. Section 811, authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to develop, promulgate, and revise as may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal and metal and nonmental mines.

MSHA’s mandatory standards for hoists and appurtenances, including wire rope, used for hoisting persons for both surface and underground metal and nonmetal mines are referenced in 30 CFR 56 and 30 CFR 57, for underground coal mines in 30 CFR 75, and for surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines in 30 CFR 77.

Initial Wire Rope Diameter Measurement

30 CFR 56.19022, 30 CFR 57.19022, 30 CFR 75.1432 and 30 CFR 77.1432 require the diameter of newly installed wire rope to be measured at least once in every third interval of the rope’s active length to establish a baseline for subsequent semiannual measurements. A record of the measurements is required to be made and retained until the rope is retired from service.

Biweekly and Daily Visual Examinations of Wire Ropes and Hoists

30 CFR 56.19023(a), 57.19023(a), 75.1433(a), and 77.1433(a) require the wire rope to be examined visually at least every fourteen days for visible structural damage, corrosion, and improper lubrication or dressing. If the examination reveals weakening portions of the rope, the weakened portions must be monitored daily for further deterioration until retirement criteria require that the rope be removed from service. 30 CFR 56.19023(d), 57.19023(d), 75.1433(d), and 77.1433(d) require that the person conducting the examination must certify that the examination was made and the condition of weakening portions. The records must be retained for one year.

30 CFR 56.19121 and 30 CFR 57.19121 require the person conducting the inspections, tests, or examinations of hoisting equipment to certify by signature and date that these activities have been done. A record of any part that is not functioning properly must be made and dated. All certifications and records must be retained for 1 year.

30 CFR 75.1400-3 and 77.1403 require hoists and elevators to be examined daily. 30 CFR 75.1400–4 and 77.1404 require a record to be made of each daily examination, including the condition and date if any unsafe condition is found during the examination. All certifications and records must be retained for 1 year.

30 CFR 77.1906 requires a daily examination of hoists used to transport persons. The person making the examination must certify that the examination has been made. If any unsafe condition is found during the examination, the person conducting the examination must make a record of the condition. All certifications and records must be retained for 1 year.

Semiannual Tests and Measurement of Wire Ropes

30 CFR 56.19023(c), 57.19023(c), 75.1433(c), and 77.1433(c) also require, at least once every six months, mine operators to conduct nondestructive tests of the active length of the rope or measure rope diameter, wherever wear is evident or at regular stopping points, or the rope rests on sheaves or leaves the drum, or at drum cross over and changing-of-layer regions. 30 CFR 56.19023(e), 57.19023(e), 75.1433(c), and 77.1433(c) require the records of nondestructive tests and measurements must be dated and retained until the rope is retired from service.

Safety Catches

30 CFR 75.1400(c) requires that cages, platforms, or other devices used to transport persons in shafts and slopes shall be equipped with safety catches or other no less effective devices approved by the Secretary that act quickly and effectively in an emergency. Such catches or devices shall be tested at least once every two months. 30 CFR 75.1400–2 requires a record to be made of tests conducted on safety catches. Each entry must be signed by the person performing the tests and countersigned by a responsible official.

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 information is used by mine operators and maintenance personnel to project the expected safe service performance of equipment; to indicate when maintenance and/or specific tests need to be performed; and to ensure that wire rope or other critical components are replaced as necessary to maintain a safe working environment for miners.

Federal mine inspectors use the records to ensure that unsafe conditions are identified early and corrected promptly. The consequence of hoist or shaft equipment malfunctions or wire rope failures can result in serious injuries and fatalities. The records are essential for MSHA inspectors to verify that mine operators are properly inspecting for unsafe conditions and maintaining their hoist and shaft equipment.

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.

No improved information technology has been identified that would reduce the burden; however, mine operators may retain the records in whatever method they choose, which may include using electronic copies.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

Not all states have recordkeeping requirements for hoisting or shaft equipment. In some instances, states have adopted the Federal requirement. For states that require the same records as the Federal regulations, one record could be used to fulfill both state and Federal requirements to avoid duplication.

The records of the results of examinations and tests of hoisting or shaft equipment are made and retained as required by specific Federal requirements. There are no similar records that could be used or modified for use instead of the required records. Where possible, MSHA has replaced existing recordkeeping with certification requirements. However, the Agency still requires a record to be kept of either inspections or unsafe conditions found during testing, inspection, or maintenance activities to help ensure the safety of miners using the hoisting or shaft system.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

This collection of information does not have a significant impact on small businesses or other small entities.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

The recordkeeping requirements for hoisting equipment are specified in the CFR as cited above. MSHA has determined that the recordkeeping requirements for hoisting equipment are the minimum necessary to ensure safety. Further reduction of these requirements could allow unsafe equipment to remain in operation, jeopardizing the safety of miners.

7. 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 a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

• That includes a pledge of confidentiality 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 secrets, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

Although regulations require that operators must conduct tests and examinations and that records of such tests must be recorded more frequently than quarterly, respondents are not required to submit the results to MSHA. Rather, records are to be maintained on-site and available for review during routine inspections.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the data 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 prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

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 3 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.

Under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), MSHA will publish the proposed information collection requirements in the Federal Register, notifying the public that these information collection requirements are being reviewed, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and providing interested persons 60 days to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on August 1, 2023 (88 FR50178). No comments received.

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

MSHA does not provide payments or gifts to respondents.

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

There is no assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents.

11. 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.

There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

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 under Item 13.

Respondents

MSHA estimates there are 225 personnel hoisting equipment (115 for Metal and Nonmetal (MNM) and 110 for coal) in the mining industry.

Wage Rates Determinations⁰

MSHA used data from the May 2021 Occupation Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for hourly wage rates⁰ and adjusted the rates for benefits⁰, wage inflation⁰, and overhead costs. The occupations listed below in Table 12-1 are those that were determined to be relevant for the cost calculations.

Table 12-1. Hourly Wage Rates

		A	B	C	D	A x B x C x D
Occupation1	NAICS Code	Mean Wage Rate	Benefit Multiplier2	Inflation Multiplier3	Overhead Multiplier4	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate
Coal Supervisor	212000	$47.92	1.491	1.066	1.17	$89.12
Metal Nonmetal Supervisor	212200 & 212300	$37.54	1.491	1.066	1.17	$69.81

Notes:

1 - The Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) used were (47-1011), (49-1011), (51-1011), and (53-1047).

2 - MSHA used the latest 4-quarter moving average 2021Q4-2022Q3 to determine that 32.9 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for Private Industry Total benefits for Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (series ID CMU2030000405000D and CMU2030000405000P). The benefit multiplier is 1.491 = 1+( 0.3293/(1-0.3293)).

3 - The inflation multiplier was determined by using the employment price index from the latest quarter, 2022Q4, divided by the base year and quarter of the OEWS employment and wage statistics, 2021Q2 for Wages and salaries for Private industry workers in Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, Current dollar Index (series ID: CIS2020000405000I). The inflation multiplier is 1.066 (= 153.8/144.3).

4 - MSHA used an overhead multiplier 1.17.

A. Initial Wire Rope Diameter Measurements

30 CFR 56.19022, 57.19022, 75.1432 and 77.1432 require mine operators to measure the diameter of newly installed wire ropes used in personal hoisting at prescribed intervals.

MSHA estimates that approximately 40 percent of the 115 MNM mine hoists (or 46 MNM operations) will need replace one wire rope at each hoist each year. Each of the 46 new wire ropes installed per year require initial measurements in MNM mines.

MSHA records show that on average each of the 110 coal mine hoists will have 3 new wire ropes installed that are required to have initial measurements, and one third of those wire ropes (110 ropes) will be replaced each year.

MSHA estimates that a MNM supervisor earning $69.81 per hour will take 9 minutes and a coal supervisor earning $89.12 will take 5 minutes to make the necessary records.

Table 12-2. Initial Wire Rope Diameter Measurements

	Number of Respondents (Hoists)	Responses per Respondent	Number of Responses (Initial Measurement)	Avg. Burden per Response (Minutes)	Total Hourly Burden	Avg. Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
MNM Mines	46	1	46	9	6.90	$69.81	$481.68
Coal mines	110	1	110	5	9.17	$89.12	$816.89
Total (Rounded)	156		156		16		$1,299

B. Biweekly and Daily Visual Examinations of Wire Ropes and Hoists

30 CFR 56.19023(a) and (d), 57.19023(a) and (d), 75.1433(a) and (d), and 77.1433(a) and (d) require that at least once every 14 calendar days each wire rope shall be visually examined along its entire active length for structural damage, corrosion, and improper lubrication and dressing. There are 26 biweekly visual examines in each of the 115 MNM mines and 110 coal mines. Further, when any visible condition that results in rope strength is present, the affected portion of the rope shall be examined daily.

Additionally, 30 CFR 75.1400-3 and 77.1403 require hoists and elevators to be examined daily. 30 CFR 75.1400–4 and 77.1404 require a record to be made of each daily examination and unsafe conditions when found during routine examinations. 30 CFR 77.1906 requires a daily examination of hoists used to transport persons and recorded.

A record of these visual examinations must be made, and such records are to be retained for one year. MSHA estimates that on average a MNM mine operates 260 days while 214 days in a coal mine.

MSHA estimates that it will take a MNM supervisor, earning a wage rate of $69.81 per hour, an average of 5 minutes to record the results of the daily examinations, and 5 minutes to record the biweekly examination.

Table 12-3. Biweekly and Daily Visual Examinations of Wire Ropes and Hoists

	Number of Respondents (Hoists)	Responses per Respondent	Number of Responses (Visual Exams)	Avg. Burden per Response (Minutes)	Total Annual Burden (Hours)	Avg. Hourly Wage Rate	Total Annual Respondent Cost
Biweekly Exams
MNM Mines	115	26	2,990	5	249.17	$69.81	$17,394.03
Coal Mines	110	26	2,860	5	238.33	$89.12	$21,239.10
Daily Exams
MNM Mines	115	260	29,900	5	2,491.67	$69.81	$173,940.43
Coal Mines	110	214	23,540	5	1,961.67	$89.12	$174,814.17
Total (Rounded)	225		59,290		4,941		$387,388

C. Semiannual Measurements of Wire Ropes

30 CFR 56.19023(c) and (e) and 57.19023(c) and (e) require that MNM mine operators to conduct nondestructive tests, or remeasuring a wire rope’s diameter to evaluate each wire rope's wear twice a year. A record of these semiannual tests or measurements shall be made and maintained until the rope is retired from service.

Mine operators have the option of using caliper measurements at the same locations as the initial measurement instead of non-destructive tests. MSHA estimates 56 percent of all ropes are caliper-measured for compliance by mine staff and the remaining 44 percent are non-destructively tested by contractors for the mine operator.

MSHA estimates that 129 (=110 hoists x 1 rope x 56% x 2 times per year) tests and measurements made at MNM mine hoisting operations annually by mine staff. MSHA records show that on average each coal mine hoist will have 3 ropes that are required to have non-destructive testing or caliper measurements. For coal mine hoisting operations, there will be 370 (=110 hoists x 3 ropes x 56% x 2 time per year) records of caliper measurement annually by mine staff. An estimate of information collection burden of employing contractors is provided in Item 13.

MSHA estimates that a MNM supervisor earning $69.81 per hour will take 9 minutes and a coal supervisor earning $89.12 per hour 5 minutes to record non-destructive test results or the caliper measurements per rope.

Table 12-4. Semiannual Non-Destructive Testing or Measurements of Wire Ropes

	Number of Respondents (Hoists)	Responses per Respondent	Number of Responses (Tests and Measurement)	Avg. Burden per Response (Minutes)	Total Hourly Burden	Avg. Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
MNM Mines	115	1.12	129	9	19.35	$69.81	$1,350.80
Coal Mines*	110	3.4	370	5	30.80	$89.12	$2,744.75
Total (Rounded)	225		499		50		$4,096

*4 Responses = 3 ropes/mine x 56% of ropes measured by mine employee x 2 times per year

D. Tests of Safety Catches at Underground Coal Mines

30 CFR 75.1400(c) and 30 CFR 75.1400-2 require that in coal mines, cages, platforms, or other devices used to transport persons in shafts and slopes be equipped with safety catches. The safety catches on vertically hoisted personnel cages and the brake-cars must be tested every two months (six times per year), and a record made, signed by the person making the test, and countersigned by responsible official.

MSHA estimates that it takes a coal supervisor earning 5 minutes to record the results of the test and an additional coal supervisor 5 minutes to review and countersign the record.

Table 12-5. Tests of Safety Catches at Underground Coal Mines

Activity	Number of Respondents (Hoists)	Responses per Respondent	Number of Responses (Tests)	Avg. Burden per Response (Minutes)	Total Hourly Burden	Avg. Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Coal Supervisor Record and Sign	110	6	660	5	55	$89.12	$4,901.33
Coal Supervisor Countersign	110	6	660	5	55	$89.12	$4,901.33
Total (Rounded)	110		1,320		110		$9,803

Total Metal and Nonmetal and Coal Burden Hours and Costs:

MSHA estimates that the 225 respondents (mine operators) would incur, on average, an annual collection burden of 8,493 hours with an associated cost of $703,146.

Table 12-6. Total Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden,

Cost Component	Total Respondents	Total Responses	Total Annual Burden (Hours)	Total Annual Burden Hour Cost
Initial Wire Rope Measurements/Tests	156	156	16.07	$1,299
Daily and Biweekly Examinations	225	59,290	4,940.83	$387,388
Semiannual Measurements/Tests	225	499	50.18	$4,096
Safety Catch Tests	110	1,320	110.00	$9,803
Total	225	61, 265	5,117	$402,586

13. Provide an estimate for 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 already reflected on the burden worksheet).

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collections services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

• Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

Tests and examinations of personnel hoisting equipment are required to be conducted more frequently than quarterly as mandated for the safety of the miners. Because the records are maintained by the mine operator, and not submitted to MSHA, there are no additional costs associated with this burden other than those described in Item 12. If the operator elects to use non-destructive wire rope testing twice a year for compliance with MSHA standards, the operator incurs additional costs.

MSHA estimates that 40 percent of the wire ropes in service at 225 MNM and coal mine hoisting operations use non-destructive testing for wire ropes provided by contractors semiannually. The estimated average cost to the operator is $500 per wire rope based on MSHA’s knowledge and information from mine safety professionals in the industry including contractors conducting non-destructive testing for wire ropes. The interpretation of the electronically-generated strip chart(s), and the charts and recommendations on continued service are the records that are sent to the mine operator.

Table 13-1 Estimated Annual Respondent Recordkeeping Cost Burden

Cost Component	Total Number of Mining Operations Using Hoisting Equipment	Percent Using Contractors for Testing Purposes	Number of Wire Rope Non-Destructive Tests	Number per Year per Test	Cost per Test	Total Burden Cost
Contractor Testing of Wire Ropes	225	40%	3	2	$500.00	$270,000 (rounded)

14. Provide estimates of 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), and 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 in a single table.

Records are examined by Federal mine inspectors in the course of routine mine inspections. Therefore, the requirements result in no additional costs to the Federal government.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported on the burden worksheet.

Respondents: The number of respondents remains unchanged at 225.

Responses: The number of responses decreases slight to 61,265. The number of responses decreased due to a drop in the number of tests performed.

Burden Hours: The number of burden hours decreases slightly at 5,117.

Respondents or Recordkeeping Costs: The estimated annual cost remains unchanged at $270,000.

Table 15-1

	Previous	Current	Difference
Respondents	225	225	0
Responses	61,365	61,265	-100
Burden Hours	5,132	5,117	-15
Burden Cost	$270,000	$270,000	$0

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, 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.

MSHA does not intend to publish the results of this information collection.

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.

MSHA associates no forms with this collection.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

As statistical analysis is not required by the regulation. Part B does not apply.

0 For all wage rates, MSHA uses the relevant precision throughout the calculation to avoid compound rounding errors and rounds at the final rate value. Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative but the final rate value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.

0 Options for obtaining OEWS data are available at item “E3. How to get OEWS data. What are the different ways to obtain OEWS estimates from this website?” at https://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_ques.htm.

0 The benefit multiplier comes from BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation accessed by menu at http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate or directly with http://download.bls.gov/pub/time.series/cm/cm.data.0.Current. MSHA used the latest 4-quarter moving average to determine what percent of total loaded wages are benefits. MSHA computes the benefit multiplier with a number of detailed calculations, but it may be approximated with the formula 1 + (benefit percentage/(1-benefit percentage)).

0 Wage inflation is the change at https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate; Inflation Multiplier = (Current Quarter Cost Index Value / OEWS Wage Base Quarter Index Value).

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