Roof Control Plan for Underground Coal Mines
OMB Control Number 1219-0004
OMB Expiration Date: 2/28/2025
Supporting Statement for
Roof Control Plan for Underground Coal Mines
Paperwork Reduction Act Submission
This information collection request (ICR) seeks to extend, without change, a currently approved information collection.
OMB Control Number: 1219-0004
Information Collection Request Title: Roof Control Plan for Underground Coal Mines
Type of OMB Review: Extension
Authority:
Part 75 - Mandatory Safety Standards - Underground Coal Mines
30 CFR 75.215 - Longwall mining systems
30 CFR 75.220 - Roof control plan
30 CFR 75.221 - Roof control plan information
30 CFR 75.222 - Roof control plan-approval criteria
30 CFR 75.223 - Evaluation and revision of roof control plan
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. 811(a), 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, metal, and nonmetal mines.
In order to fulfill the statutory mandates to promote miners’ health and safety, MSHA requires the collection of information associated with Roof Control Plan for Underground Coal Mines. The information collection addressed by this notice is intended to ensure that underground coal mine operators develop and maintain roof control plans approved by MSHA.
Section 302(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 862, requires that a roof control plan and revisions thereof suitable to the roof conditions and mining system of each underground coal mine be first approved by the Secretary before implementation by the operator. The plan must show the type of support and spacing approved by the Secretary, and the plan must be reviewed at least every 6 months by the Secretary.
New Roof Control Plans and Revisions
Under 30 CFR 75.215, the roof control plan for each longwall mining section is required to specify the methods that will be used to maintain a safe travelway out of the section through the tailgate side of the longwall and the procedures that will be followed if a ground failure prevents travel out of the section through the tailgate side of the longwall.
Under 30 CFR 75.220(a)(1), each underground coal mine operator must develop and follow a roof control plan, approved by the District Manager, that is suitable to the prevailing geological conditions and the mining system to be used at the mine. The standard also requires that additional measures be taken to protect persons if unusual hazards are encountered.
Under 30 CFR 75.220(a)(2), the proposed roof control plan and any revisions must be submitted, in writing, to the District Manager.
As specified in 30 CFR 75.221(a), the following information shall be included in each roof control plan: (1) the name and address of the company; (2) the name, address, mine identification number and location of the mine; (3) the name and title of the company official responsible for the plan; (4) a description of the mine strata; (5) a description and drawings of the sequence of installation and spacing of supports for each method of mining used; (6) the maximum distance that an automated temporary roof support (ATRS) system is to be set beyond the last row of permanent support (if applicable); (7) specifications and installation procedures for tunnel liners or arches (if applicable); (8) drawings indicating the planned width of openings, size of pillars, method of pillar recovery, and the sequence of mining pillars; (9) a list of all support materials required to be used in the roof, face, and rib control system, including if roof bolts are to be installed; (10) the intervals at which test holes will be drilled when mechanically anchored tensioned roof bolts are used; (11) a description of the methods to be used for the protection of persons from falling material at drift openings and when mining approaches within 150 feet of an outcrop; and (12) a description of the roof and rib support for refuge alternatives.
Under 30 CFR 75.223(a), a mine operator must propose revisions to the roof control plan when conditions indicate that the plan is not suitable for controlling the roof, face, ribs, or coal or rock bursts, or when accident and injury experience at the mine indicates the plan is inadequate. The mine operator is required to review accident and injury experience at each mine at least every six months.
Unplanned Roof or Rib Fall and Coal or Rock Burst
Under 30 CFR 75.223(b), underground coal mine operators are required to plot each unplanned roof fall and rib fall and coal or rock burst that occurs in the active workings on a mine map when certain criteria are met.
Records
Under 30 CFR 75.220(e), the approved roof control plan and any revisions must be available to the miners and their representatives.
Under 30 CFR 75.223(c), the mine map on which roof falls are plotted must be available at the mine site for inspection by MSHA and miners’ representatives.
MSHA Review and Approval of Plans
Under 30 CFR 75.220(b)(1), the mine operator will be notified in writing of the approval or denial of approval of a proposed roof control plan or proposed revision. Under 30 CFR 75.220(b)(2), when MSHA denies the approval of a proposed plan or revision, MSHA specifies the deficiencies of the plan or revision and recommended changes are specified, and the mine operator will have an opportunity to discuss the deficiencies and changes with the District Manager.
Roof control plans, and revisions to those plans, are evaluated by MSHA specialists in accordance with the criteria set forth in 30 CFR 75.222. Under 30 CFR 75.222(a), the District Manager may require additional measures in plans and may approve roof control plans that do not conform to the applicable criteria, provided that effective control of the roof, face, and ribs can be maintained.
Under 30 CFR 75.223(d), MSHA must review the roof control plan every six months. This review requires MSHA to take into consideration any falls of the roof, face, and ribs and the adequacy of the support systems used at the time.
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.
Roof control plans provide the means to instruct miners in the proper use and placement of roof supports. The plan also provides a reference for mine supervisors to ensure that the underground coal mine is in compliance with MSHA regulations relating to roof control. Roof control plans are evaluated by MSHA personnel and referred to during safety and health inspections to ensure that mine operators have complied with the regulatory provisions outlined in 30 CFR 75.202 through 75.223.
Approved roof control plans are reviewed by MSHA roof control specialists to evaluate the roof and rib support methods used to provide a safe working environment. As roof control questions arise, the review of different roof control plans can provide solutions to problems that have been successfully addressed by other districts. The sharing of roof control plans within the Agency allows inspectors to communicate the latest mining technology to the nation’s mine operators and miners. It allows operators and miners to take advantage of MSHA’s technical ground support group that conducts studies on mining and support methods and evaluates their effectiveness. The success of this program is supported by the fact that MSHA’s Technical Support group has evaluated numerous, hazardous ground conditions at the nation’s mining operations and suggested proven methods of support based on scientific ground control methods.
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 existing burden. Mine operators may submit the required information electronically.
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 A.2 above.
Roof control plans are developed to address the unique roof conditions and mining methods at each mine. No similar or duplicate information is available or submitted to MSHA.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
The information collection provisions apply to all mine operations, both large and small. Congress intended that the Secretary enforce the law at all mining operations within the Agency’s jurisdiction regardless of size and that information collection and recordkeeping requirements be consistent with efficient and effective enforcement of the Mine Act. [See Rep. No. 95-181, 28 (1977)]. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act directs the Secretary not to impose an unreasonable burden on small businesses when obtaining any information under the Mine Act. MSHA considered the burden on small mines when developing the collection. Hence, MSHA believes that these information collection requirements are imposed on all mining operations and do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small business or their small entities.
MSHA has made available on the Agency’s website explicit criteria and guidance for assessing the quality of and potential safety risks associated with proposed roof control plans. Checklists and a Roof Control Plan Approval and Ground Support Review Procedures handbook are located at: https://arlweb.msha.gov/READROOM/HANDBOOK/PH20-V-2.pdf.
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.
Roof control plans must be submitted by a mine operator when a new underground coal mine opens and when revisions are necessary. Revisions of an existing plan are necessary either due to conditions that indicate the existing plan is not suitable for controlling roof conditions (i.e., roof, face, ribs, or coal or rock bursts) or accident and injury experience at the mine indicates the plan is inadequate. MSHA reviews the plans every six months to ensure that the roof control methods are adequate for the conditions and mining methods used at the mine. Without an approved plan, MSHA would not be able to determine whether miners were being exposed to hazardous roof conditions that could jeopardize their safety.
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 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 secret, 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.
This collection of information is consistent with the guidelines found in 5 CFR 1320.5. While there is no specific provision requiring that roof control plans be maintained for more than 3 years, there must be an approved plan in effect for the entire time the mine is in operation.
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 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.
In accordance with 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 60 days for the public to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on August 26, 2024 (89 FR 68469). MSHA received no comments.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
MSHA does not provide payment 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.
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 13.
Respondents
All information related to quantities and inspection rates are estimated by MSHA’s Headquarters Enforcement Division based on field experience with different types of mining operations, sizes of mines, and the frequency of inspections dictated by statute. Mine operators provide MSHA Headquarters Enforcement Division the number of mines and employment, and from this information MSHA tracks the number of active and inactive mines and mine types throughout the United States.
Based on MSHA’s records, there were, on average, 167 active underground coal mines from December 2022 to November 2023.
Wage Rates Determinations1
MSHA used data from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for hourly wage rates2 and adjusted the rates for benefits,3 wage inflation,4 and overhead costs.5 The occupations listed below in Table 12-1 are those that were determined to be relevant for the cost calculations.
Occupation |
NAICS Code |
Average Wage Rate |
Benefit Multiplier |
Inflation Multiplier |
Overhead Cost Multiplier |
Loaded Hourly Wage Rate |
|
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
A x B x C x D |
Mine Supervisor [a] |
212100 |
$52.49 |
1.470 |
1.018 |
1.01 |
$79.33 |
Notes: MSHA used the latest 4-quarter moving average 2023Q1-2023Q4 to determine that 32.0 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The benefit multiplier is 1.470= 1 + (0.320/(1-0.320)). The inflation multiplier was determined by using the employment price index from the most current quarter, 2023Q4, divided by the base year and quarter of the OEWS employment and wage statistics, 2023Q2, for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, current dollar index. The inflation multiplier is 1.018 = 160.1/157.3. MSHA used the overhead multiplier of 1.01.
[a] The Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) used for this occupation are (47-1011), (49-1011), (51-1011), and (53-1047).
Hours Burden
New Roof Control Plans and Revisions
Under 30 CFR 75.220, each underground coal mine operator must develop a roof control plan that includes the information specified in 30 CFR 75.221(a). Under 30 CFR 75.215, mine operators must specify the methods in the roof control plan that will be used to maintain a safe travelway out of the longwall mining section through the tailgate side of the longwall and the procedures that will be followed if a ground failure prevents travel out of the section through the tailgate side of the longwall.
In 2022, 84 new roof control plans were submitted by 58 of the 167 underground coal mines. MSHA estimates number of responses per respondent to be approximately 1.4 or (84/58). While roof control plans vary according to the size and complexity of each individual mine, MSHA estimates that on average it takes a mine supervisor, earning $79.33 per hour, approximately 12 hours to prepare a new roof control plan. MSHA employees with experience preparing roof control plans while employed by industry have helped the Agency substantiate the time required to produce roof control plans.
Table 12-2. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, New Roof Control Plans (30 CFR 75.215, 75.220(a)(1), and 30 CFR 75.221(a))
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Respondents (Affected Coal Mines) |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses (Plans) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
New roof control plans (Mine Supervisor) |
58 |
1.4 |
84 |
12.00 |
1,008.00 |
$79.33 |
$79,965.60 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
58 |
|
84 |
|
1,008 |
|
$79,966 |
Note: Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.
Under 30 CFR 75.223(a), a mine operator must propose revisions to the roof control plan when conditions indicate that the plan is not suitable or when accident and injury experience at the mine indicates the plan is inadequate. Revisions may be required as a response to an existing problem, or when instituting new technology, or as a cost savings to the mine operator.
MSHA estimates that each mine operator may need to submit plan revisions. An operator may submit more than one revision if conditions require it. In 2023, MSHA received 482 plan revisions submitted by 167 underground coal mines. MSHA estimates number of responses per respondent to be approximately 2.9 or (482/167). MSHA estimates that it takes a mine supervisor, earning $79.33 per hour, approximately 4 hours to draft a plan revision.
Table 12-3. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Revised Roof Control Plans (30 CFR 75.223(a))
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Respondents (Affected Coal Mines) |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses (Plans) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Revised roof control plans (Mine Supervisor) |
167 |
2.9 |
482 |
4.00 |
1,928.00 |
$79.33 |
$152,950.07 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
167 |
|
482 |
|
1,928 |
|
$152,950 |
Note: Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.
Unplanned Roof or Rib Fall and Coal or Rock Burst
Underground coal mine operators are also required to plot each unplanned roof fall, rib fall, and coal rock burst on a mine map when such incidents meet the criteria specified in 30 CFR 75.223(b). MSHA estimates that it takes a mine supervisor, earning $79.33 per hour, 5 minutes to plot a roof fall or a coal or rock burst on a map. There were approximately 453 unplanned roof falls and coal or rock bursts which met such specified criteria and that occurred in underground coal mines in 2023.
Table 12-4. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Map Plot of Unplanned Roof Fall, Rib Fall, and Coal Rock Burst (30 CFR 75.223(b))
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Respondents (Affected Coal Mines) |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses (Map Plots) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Map plot (Mine Supervisor) |
167 |
2.7 |
453 |
0.08 |
37.75 |
$79.33 |
$2,994.74 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
167 |
|
453 |
|
38 |
|
$2,995 |
Note: Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.
Hour Burden Summary
The annual respondent hour and cost burden in summarized in Table 12-5.
Table 12-5. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Summary Totals
Activity |
Number of Respondents |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
New roof control plans |
58 |
1.4 |
84 |
12.00 |
1,008.00 |
$79.33 |
$79,965.60 |
Revised roof control plans |
167 |
2.9 |
482 |
4.00 |
1,928.00 |
$79.33 |
$152,950.07 |
Map plot |
167 |
2.7 |
453 |
0.08 |
37.75 |
$79.33 |
$2,994.74 |
Total (Rounded) |
167 |
|
1,019 |
|
2,974 |
|
$235,910 |
Notes: The total number of respondents do not correspond to the sum of correspondents from each cost item because the same respondents carry out multiple activities. Total number of respondents is calculated as the number of active underground coal mines.
Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).
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 service 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 collection 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.
Mine operators are expected to mail every new (84) and revised (482) roof control plan to MSHA. MSHA estimates that the average copying and mailing cost for the 566 new roof control plans or plan revisions is $6.
Table 13-1. Estimated Annual Respondent Recordkeeping Cost Burden, Copy and Mail New and Revised Roof Control Plans
Cost components |
Number of Responses |
Unit Cost |
Cost to Recordkeepers |
Copy and mail roof control plans |
566 |
$6.00 |
$3,396.00 |
MSHA estimates that there are no extra recordkeeping costs related to 30 CFR 75.220(e) and 75.223(c) because mine operators are expected to maintain the relevant records electronically.
14. Provide estimates of the annualized costs 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 may also aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 into a single table.
Table 14-1. Federal Hourly Wage Rates
Occupation |
Occupation Code |
Average Wage Rate |
Benefit and Overhead Multiplier [a] |
Loaded Hourly Wage Rate |
|
|
A |
B |
A x B |
GS-12 Inspector [b] |
1822 |
$47.55 |
1.586 |
$75.41 |
Note: Hourly wage rates developed from Office of Personnel Management (OPM) September 2023 FedScope Employment Cube, http://www.fedscope.opm.gov/.
[a] Benefit and overhead multiplier = 1 + (MSHA personnel benefits, travel and transportation, and rental expenses divided by MSHA personnel compensation) = (1+ ((76,679+20+5,309+5,932+17,577+71) / 180,071) (FY 2024 budget submission, use FY2023 Revised Enacted Budget: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/general/budget/2024/CBJ-2024-V2-13.pdf).
[b] Data search qualifiers were: Agency = DLMS, Occupation = 1822 (Mine Safety and Health Inspection), Work Schedule = Full-Time, Salary Grade = GS-12, Measure = Average Salary. The hourly wage is the annual salary divided by 2,087. In order to include the cost of benefits and overhead, MSHA multiplied the average annual salary by a federal benefit and overhead multiplier for MSHA of 1.586. Rate equals $75.41 = ($99,228 / 2,087 x 1.586).
MSHA estimates that it takes approximately 16 hours for a GS-12 inspector to review and approve each of the 84 new roof control plans and approximately 4 hours to review each of the 482 plan revisions. An average salary (including benefits and overhead) of $75.41 per hour was used for these calculations.
Table 14-2. Estimated Annual Federal Hour and Cost Burden, Review of New Plans (30 CFR 75.223(d))
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Responses (Plans) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Review of New Plans (GS-12 Inspector) |
84 |
16 |
1,344.00 |
$75.41 |
$101,348.00 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
84 |
|
1,344 |
|
$101,348 |
Table 14-3. Estimated Annual Federal Hour and Cost Burden, Review of Revised Plans (30 CFR 75.223(d))
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Responses (Plans) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Review of Revised Plans (GS-12 Inspector) |
482 |
4 |
1,928.00 |
$75.41 |
$145,386.11 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
482 |
|
1,928 |
|
$145,386 |
Federal Hour Burden Summary
The annual federal hour and cost burden in summarized in Table 14-4.
Table 14-4. Estimated Annual Federal Hour and Cost Burden, Summary Totals
Activity |
Number of Responses |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Review of New Plans |
84 |
16 |
1,344.00 |
$75.41 |
$101,348.00 |
Review of Revised Plans |
482 |
4 |
1,928.00 |
$75.41 |
$145,386.11 |
Total (Rounded) |
566 |
|
3,272 |
|
$246,734 |
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.
Respondents: The estimated annual number of respondents increased from 145 to 167 due to an increase in the number of underground coal mines.
Responses: The estimated annual number of responses increased from 896 to 1,019 due to an increase in the number respondents.
Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden increased from 2,600 to 2,974 due to an increase in the number of responses.
Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $161,788 to $235,910 due to an increase in the number of responses and an increase in wages.
Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden costs increased from $2,490 to $3,396 due to an increase in the number of responses and higher prices.
Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours increased from 2,856 to 3,272 due to an increase in the number of responses.
Federal Costs: The estimated annual federal costs increased from $166,476 to $246,734 due to an increase in the number of responses and in federal wages.
Table 15-1. Summary of Changes
|
Previous ICR |
Current ICR |
Difference |
Number of Respondents |
145 |
167 |
21 |
Number of Responses |
896 |
1,019 |
123 |
Annual Time Burden |
2,600 |
2,974 |
374 |
Annual Burden Costs |
$161,788 |
$235,910 |
$74,122 |
Annual Other Burden Costs |
$2,490 |
$3,396 |
$906 |
|
|
|
|
Federal Hours |
2,856 |
3,272 |
416 |
Federal Costs |
$166,476 |
$246,734 |
$80,258 |
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.
The results of this information collection will not be published.
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 information collection.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.
There are no certification exceptions identified with this information collection.
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods.
This information collection does not employ statistical methods.
1 For all wage rates, including Federal 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.
2 To obtain OEWS data, follow BLS’s directions in its Frequently Asked Questions: “E. How to get OEWS data. 4. What are the different ways to obtain OEWS estimates from this website?” at https://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_ques.htm. The average wage rate is calculated as the employment-weighted average of hourly mean wages for the occupation.
3 The benefit multiplier comes from BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation accessed by menu at http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate or directly at http://download.bls.gov/pub/time.series/cm/cm.data.0.Current. Insert the data series CMU2030000405000D and CMU2030000405000P, Private Industry Total benefits for Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, which is divided by 100 to convert to a decimal value. 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)).
4 Wage inflation is the change in Series ID: CIS2020000405000I; Seasonally adjusted; Series Title: Wages and salaries for Private industry workers in Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, Index. (https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate ; Inflation Multiplier = (Current Quarter Cost Index Value / OEWS Wage Base Quarter Index Value).
5 MSHA used an overhead rate of 1 percent. The mining environment generally involves very little overhead, especially costs associated with workers engaged in administrative or clerical tasks.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2024-12-24 |