Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record
OMB Control Number: 1219-0016
OMB Expiration Date: 4/30/2026
Supporting Statement for
Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record
Paperwork Reduction Act Submission
This information collection request (ICR) seeks to extend, without change, a currently approved information collection.
OMB Control Number: 1219-0016
Information Collection Request Title: Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record
Type of OMB Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved information collection
Authority:
Part 57 – Safety and Health Standards—Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines
Subpart G – Ventilation
30 CFR 57.8520 – Ventilation plan.
30 CFR 57.8525 – Main fan maintenance.
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 (Mine Act), as amended, 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 (MNM) mines.
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) governs paperwork burdens imposed on the public by Federal agencies for using identical questions to collect information from 10 or more persons. The PRA defines paperwork burden in 44 U.S.C. 3502(2) as time, effort, or financial resources expended to generate, maintain, or provide information to or for a Federal agency. Under 44 U.S.C. 3507, the PRA also establishes policies and procedures of information collection for controlling paperwork burdens imposed by Federal agencies on the public, including evaluating public comments.
To fulfill its statutory mandate to promote miners’ health and safety, MSHA requires the information collected under the ICR titled “Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record.” The information collection is intended to ensure underground MNM mine operators routinely plan, review, and update their ventilation system and maintain main fans properly to avoid fatalities and unhealthy working conditions caused by inadequate ventilation.
Underground MNM mines can present harsh and hostile working environments. The ventilation system is the most vital life support system in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation system is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. A well planned mine ventilation system is necessary to ensure fresh air is provided to miners at all working places, to control the amounts of harmful airborne contaminants in the mine atmosphere, and to dilute possible accumulation of explosive gases. A regular fan maintenance schedule is necessary to ensure an uninterrupted and vital supply of air.
Burden costs associated with this ICR include:
I. Creating new or updating existing mine ventilation plans; and
II. Developing new or revising existing main fan maintenance schedules.
The associated standards that authorize the collection of information are described below.
Creating New or Updating Existing Mine Ventilation Plans
Under 30 CFR 57.8520, the mine operator must prepare a plan of the mine ventilation system in written form. Revisions of the system must be noted and updated annually. The ventilation plan or revisions must be submitted to the District Manager for review and comments upon his written request. The plan must, where applicable, include the following:
The mine name.
The current mine map or schematic or series of mine maps or schematics of an appropriate scale, not greater than five hundred feet to the inch, showing:
Locations of areas withdrawn from the ventilation system;
Locations of all main, booster and auxiliary fans not shown in paragraph (d) of this standard.
Locations of air regulators and stoppings and ventilation doors not shown in paragraph (d) of this standard;
Locations of overcasts, undercasts and other airway crossover devices not shown in paragraph (d) of this standard;
Locations of known oil or gas wells;
Locations of known underground mine openings adjacent to the mine;
Locations of permanent underground shops, diesel fuel storage depots, oil fuel storage depots, hoist rooms, compressors, battery charging stations and explosive storage facilities. Permanent facilities are those intended to exist for one year or more; and
Significant changes in the ventilation system projected for one year.
Mine fan data for all active main and booster fans including manufacturer's name, type, size, fan speed, blade setting, approximate pressure at present operating point, and motor brake horsepower rating.
Diagrams, descriptions or sketches showing how ventilation is accomplished in each typical type of working place including the approximate quantity of air provided, and typical size and type of auxiliary fans used.
The number and types of internal combustion engine units used underground, including make and model of unit, type of engine, make and model of engine, brake horsepower rating of engine, and approval number.
Developing New or Revising Existing Main Fan Maintenance Schedules
Under 30 CFR 57.8525, the main fans in underground MNM mines must be maintained according to either the manufacturer’s recommendations or a written periodic schedule adopted by the operator which must be available at the operation upon the request of the Secretary or the Secretary’s authorized representative.
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.
MSHA uses the collected mine ventilation plans information to ensure that each operator of an underground MNM mine routinely plans, reviews, and updates the mine's ventilation system, to ensure the availability of accurate and current ventilation information. The collected information also provides MSHA with the opportunity to alert the mine operator to potential hazards.
The main fans maintenance schedule records are maintained by the mine operator and may be used by ventilation personnel in maintaining or repairing the system. MSHA uses the information to determine whether the fans have been adequately maintained.
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.
However, to comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, mine operators may retain these records in whatever method they choose, including using computer technology to store the records 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.
No similar or duplicate information is available or submitted to MSHA. The ventilation plan and main fan maintenance records are unique for each mine.
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 operator, 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. [S. Rep. No. 95-181 (1977)]. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(e), 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 this collection and believes that these ICRs are imposed on all mining operators and do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 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 air flow provided by the fans ensures fresh air to the miners at working places, reduces the chance of airborne contaminants reaching their threshold limit values, and dilutes accumulations of possibly explosive gases. A regular fan maintenance schedule is necessary to ensure an uninterrupted supply of air. The main fans maintenance schedule records ensure compliance with the standard and may serve as a warning mechanism for possible ventilation problems before they occur.
Lack of adequate ventilation in underground MNM mines has resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation as well as from explosions that came from a buildup of explosive gases. Inadequate ventilation can also be a primary factor for illness or deaths caused by diseases of the lungs (e.g., silicosis). In addition, poor working conditions from lack of adequate ventilation can contribute to accidents due to heat stress, limited visibility, or impaired judgment.
Without the records created by this information collection MSHA would not be able to verify that the mine operator has prepared a written plan of the mine ventilation system as required in 30 CFR 57.8520. Further, MSHA would not be able to determine if the mine operator is maintaining the main ventilation fans according to either the manufacturers' recommendations or by a written periodic schedule in accordance with 30 CFR 57.8525.
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 statue 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 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 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 ICRs in the Federal Register, notify the public that these ICRs are being reviewed in accordance with the PRA, and provide 60 days for the public to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on September 25, 2025 (90 FR 46264). 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 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 ‘Annual Cost to Federal Government’.
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 Headquarter Enforcement Division with 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 internal data, there were 182 existing underground MNM mines as of March 2025 affected by this ICR. MSHA estimates that an additional four new underground MNM mines will open annually.
Wage Rates Determination1
MSHA uses data from the May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for hourly wage rates2 and adjusts the rates for benefits,3 wage inflation,4 and overhead costs.5 The occupations listed below in Table 12-1 are those that are 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 |
Mining Supervisor [a] |
212200 & 212300 |
$43.53 |
1.453 |
1.022 |
1.01 |
$65.29 |
Clerk [b] |
212200 & 212300 |
$26.14 |
1.453 |
1.022 |
1.01 |
$39.21 |
Notes:
Benefit Multiplier – MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average 2024Q1-2024Q4 to determine that 30.8 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The benefit multiplier is 1.453 = 1+(0.308/(1-0.308)).
Inflation Multiplier – The inflation multiplier is determined by using the employment price index from the most current quarter, 2024Q4, divided by the base year and quarter of the OEWS employment and wage statistics, 2024Q2, for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, current dollar index. The inflation multiplier is 1.022 = 166.7/163.1.
Overhead Multiplier – MSHA uses 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).
[b] The SOCs used for this occupation are (43-3031), (43-3051), (43-5061), (43-5071), and (43-9061).
Hour Burden
Under 30 CFR 57.8520, the mine operator must prepare a written plan of the mine ventilation system. The plan is required to be updated at least annually. As of March 2025, MSHA records indicate that 182 underground MNM mines are subject to this standard. In addition, MSHA estimates that four new mines will open annually and thus require the development of four new plans. Together, there are 186 impacted underground MNM mines.
MSHA estimates that it takes a mine supervisor, earning $65.29 per hour, 24 hours to either develop a ventilation plan for a new mine or to revise or update a plan for an existing mine. MSHA also estimates that it takes a clerical employee, earning $39.21 per hour, 6 minutes to prepare each submission.
Table 12-2. Table 12-2. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Creating New or Updating Existing Mine Ventilation Plans (30 CFR 57.8520)
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Respondents (Mines) |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses (Plans) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Creating New or Updating Existing Plans (Mine Supervisor) |
186 |
1 |
186 |
24.00 |
4,464.00 |
$65.29 |
$291,454.56 |
Preparing Plans for Submission (Clerical Worker) |
186 |
1 |
186 |
0.10 |
18.60 |
$39.21 |
$729.31 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
186 |
|
186 |
|
4,483 |
|
Note: The total number of respondents and responses does not correspond to the sum of rows because different respondents work on the same record.
Under 30 CFR 57.8525, main ventilation fans for an underground mine must be maintained according to either the manufacturer’s recommendations or a written periodic schedule adopted by the operator.
The maintenance of mine fans is normally scheduled as recommended by the fan manufacturer. However, MSHA recognizes that specific mine conditions may justify maintenance at a different frequency than that recommended by the manufacturer.
As of March 2025, of the 186 impacted underground MNM mines (182 existing mines and four projected new mines), 11 will rely on natural ventilation of air movement and, therefore, have no fans. MSHA estimates that the remaining 175 mines have an average of 1.5 main fans per mine, for a total of 263 main fans (175 x 1.5), which must be maintained according to either the manufacturer’s recommendations or a written periodic schedule adopted by the mine operator.
Based on experience, MSHA estimates that approximately 90 percent of these fans are maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Mine operators of those fans would incur no burden associated with adopting a written, periodic maintenance schedule. (See 5 CFR 1320.3(b)(2).6)
The remaining 26 fans (263 x 10 percent) are maintained according to written periodic schedules adopted by mine operators, which are reviewed regularly by MSHA inspectors. MSHA estimates that of the 26 fans, written maintenance schedules would need to be developed or revised for about one-third or nine fans each year.
MSHA estimates that it takes a mine maintenance supervisor, earning $65.29 per hour, 1 hour to develop or revise a written periodic maintenance schedule for a main fan. MSHA also estimates that it takes a clerical person, earning $39.21 per hour, 30 minutes to process and distribute the schedule.
Table 12-3. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Developing New or Revising Existing Main Fan Maintenance Schedules (30 CFR 57.8525)
Activity (Occupation) |
Number of Respondents (Mines) |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses (Schedules) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Developing New or Revising Existing Schedules (Mine Supervisor) |
186 |
0.05 |
9 |
1.00 |
9.00 |
$65.29 |
$587.61 |
Distributing Schedules (Clerical Worker) |
186 |
0.05 |
9 |
0.50 |
4.50 |
$39.21 |
$176.45 |
Subtotal (Rounded) |
186 |
|
9 |
|
14 |
|
$764 |
Notes: The total number of respondents and responses does not correspond to the sum of rows because different respondents work on the same record. The number of responses per respondent is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the number of respondents and rounded.
Hour Burden Summary
MSHA estimates that the 186 respondents (mine operators) will incur, on average, an annual collection burden of 4,496 hours with an associated annual cost of $292,948. The annual respondent hour and cost burden of this information collection is summarized in the table below.
Table 12-4. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Summary
Activity |
Number of Respondents (Mines) |
Number of Responses per Respondent |
Total Responses |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
Creating New or Updating Existing Mine Ventilation Plans |
186 |
1.00 |
186 |
|
4,482.60 |
|
$292,183.87 |
Developing New or Revising Existing Main Fan Maintenance Schedules |
186 |
0.05 |
9 |
|
13.50 |
|
$764.06 |
Total (Rounded) |
186 |
|
195 |
|
4,496 |
|
$292,948 |
Notes: The total number of respondents is not a sum of respondents from each cost category. It corresponds to the total number of impacted mines. The number of responses per respondent is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the number of respondents and rounded.
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 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 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.
There are no capital or maintenance costs to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of this information.
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.
MSHA uses data from the FedScope published by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for hourly wage rates of Federal employees and adjusts the rates for benefits and overhead. The occupations listed below in Table 14-1 are those that were determined to be relevant for the federal government cost calculations.
Table 14-1. Federal Hourly Wage Rates
Occupation |
Occupation Code |
Average Hourly Wage Rate |
Benefit & Overhead Multiplier [a] |
Loaded Hourly Wage Rate |
|
|
A |
B |
A x B |
GS-12 Technical Specialist [b] |
1822 |
$49.52 |
1.587 |
$78.60 |
Notes: Hourly wage rates are developed from Office of Personnel Management (OPM) September 2024 FedScope Employment Cube, http://www.fedscope.opm.gov/.
[a] Benefit and overhead multiplier = 1 + (MSHA personnel benefits + Federal Employees' Compensation Act + benefits for former personnel + travel and transportation (persons and things) + rental payments (GSA and others))/ costs of pay adjustments = (1+ ((69,203+6,746+20+7,888+5,762 +16,633+71) / 181,036) submission, use FY2024 Revised Enacted Budget: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/general/budget/2025/CBJ-2025-V2-13.pdf).
[b] Data search qualifiers are: 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 multiplies the average annual salary by a Federal benefit and overhead multiplier for MSHA of 1.587. Loaded hourly rate is $78.60 = (($164,028 / 2,087) x 1.587).
Reviewing Mine Ventilation Plans
As of March 2025, MSHA records indicate there were 182 existing underground MNM mines impacted by this information collection. MSHA estimates that each of these mines will revise their plan once a year. In addition, it is projected that four new underground MNM mines will open annually. MSHA estimates that it takes an MSHA technical specialist (GS-12), earning $78.60 per hour, 8 hours to review a submitted new or revised plan.
Table 14-2. Estimated Federal Hour and Cost Burden, Reviewing Mine Ventilation Plans (30 CFR 57.8520)
Federal Occupation |
Number of Responses (Activity) |
Average Burden (Hours) |
Total Burden (Hours) |
Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Burden Cost |
GS-12 MSHA Safety Specialist |
186 |
8 |
1,488 |
$78.60 |
$116,956.80 |
Total (Rounded) |
186 |
|
1,488 |
|
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments on the burden worksheet.
Number of Respondents: The estimated number of respondents decreased from 232 to 186 due to a decrease in the number of active underground MNM mines.
Number of Responses: The estimated number of responses decreased from 243 to 195 due to a decrease in the number of respondents.
Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden decreased from 5,608 to 4,496 due to a decrease in the number of respondents.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Costs: The estimated annual burden cost to respondents or recordkeepers remains unchanged at $0.
Table 15-1. Summary of Changes
|
Currently Approved ICR |
Updated ICR |
Difference |
Number of Respondents |
232 |
186 |
-46 |
Number of Responses |
243 |
195 |
-48 |
Annual Time Burden |
5,608 |
4,496 |
-1,112 |
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Costs |
$0 |
$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 is not seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of this information collection and there is no form associated 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 certification exceptions identified with this information collection.
B. Collections of information employing statistical methods
As statistical analysis is not required by the regulation, questions 1 through 5 do not apply.
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 uses 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 uses 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.
6 Under 5 CFR 1320.3(b)(2), the time, effort, and financial resources necessary to comply with a collection of information that would be incurred by persons in the normal course of their activities (e.g., in compiling and maintaining business records) will be excluded from the “burden” if the agency demonstrates that the reporting, recordkeeping, or disclosure activities needed to comply are usual and customary.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Ramsey, Joseph E - MSHA |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2026-01-23 |