SS_1218-0215 PPE for Shipyard Employment_07-03-2025_ROCIS

THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) STANDARD FOR

SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (29 CFR PART 1915, SUBPART I)

OMB Control Number: 1218-0215

Expiration Date: September 30, 2025

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS OF

THE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) STANDARD

FOR SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (29 CFR PART 1915, SUBPART I)¹

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)

CONTROL NO. 1218-0215

(May 2025)

The agency is seeking an extension request of a currently approved data collection.

1. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

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

Regarding recordkeeping, the OSH Act specifies that “[e]ach employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the Secretary . . . such records . . . as the Secretary . . . may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of this Act . . .” (29 U.S.C. 657). The OSH Act states further that “[t]he Secretary . . . shall prescribe such rules and regulations as [he/she] may deem necessary to carry out [his/her] responsibilities under this Act, including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of an employer’s establishment” (29 U.S.C. 657) .Under the authority granted by the OSH Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published at 29 CFR part 1915, subpart I, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standard for Shipyard Employment. Subpart I requires employers to provide and ensure that each affected worker uses the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes, face, head, extremities, torso, and respiratory system, including protective clothing, protective shields, protective barriers, life-saving equipment, personal fall arrest systems, and positioning device systems that meet the applicable provisions of this subpart, whenever workers are exposed to hazards that require the use of PPE. Items 2 and 12 below describe in detail the specific information collection requirements of subpart I.

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.

Subpart I contains a collection of information requirement as described below.

Hazard Assessment and Verification (§1915.152(b)). Section 1915.152(b) requires the employer to assess work activities to determine whether there are hazards present, or likely to be present, which necessitate the worker’s use of PPE. If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer must: (1) select the type of PPE that will protect the affected worker from the hazards identified in the occupational hazard assessment; (2) communicate selection decisions to affected workers; (3) select PPE that properly fits each affected worker, and (4) maintain documentation that verifies that the required occupational hazard assessment has been performed. The verification must contain the following information: occupation or trade assessed, the date(s) of the hazard assessment, and the name of the person performing the hazard assessment.

The hazard assessment assures the hazards of that potential workplace necessitating PPE use have been identified and the PPE selected is appropriate for those hazards and the affected workers. The required certification of the hazard assessment verifies that the required hazard assessment was conducted.

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

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

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.

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

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

The information collection requirements in subpart I do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 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 agency believes that the information collection frequencies required by subpart I are the minimum frequencies necessary to effectively monitor the use of PPE by shipyard employers and, thereby, fulfill its mandate “to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” as specified by the OSH Act (29 U.S.C. 651).

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 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.

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

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection 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.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register on February 28, 2025 (90 FR 10953), soliciting comments on its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of the collection of information requirements specified by the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standard for Shipyard Employment (29 CFR part 1915, subpart I) under docket number OSHA-2012-0038. This notice was part of a preclearance consultation program that provided the general public and government agencies with an opportunity to comment.

The agency received two public comments in response to this notice. The first public comment is from an anonymous commenter under docket number OSHA-2012-0038-0018. The commenter offers suggestions for improving OSHA’s data collection practices.

The purpose of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C.§ 3501) is to minimize the collection of information by the Federal Government. It is issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C.§ 3516, which provides that “The Director shall promulgate rules, regulations, or procedures necessary to exercise the authority provided by this subchapter.” It is designed to reduce, minimize and control burdens and maximize the practical utility and public benefit of the information created, collected, disclosed, maintained, used, shared and disseminated by or for the Federal government. (Under the 5 CFR 1320.1)

PRA was enacted to reduce the total amount of paperwork burden the federal government imposes on private businesses and citizens. It also established the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within OMB, and authorizes the agency to oversee federal agencies' collection of information from the public and to establish information policies.

OSHA provides estimates of burden hours and annualized costs for the information collection requirements of the affected establishments in a variety of different industries. The requirements affect establishments that manufacture, repair, and maintain ships.

The Standards are in place to keep the workers safe. The information collected by the federal government is used to improve upon the amount of burden that the government imposes on the public while providing a safe work environment. Calculating the burden hours and cost is a way of measuring the guidelines that are in place for workers.

OSHA’s estimate of the burden hours and cost in collecting information is based on data from reliable sources, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Census Bureau, industry surveys, and staff expertise. BLS is a principal fact-finding agency for the U.S. government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. It serves as a principal agency for the U.S. Federal Statistical System. BLS is a governmental statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public, the U.S. Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, business, and labor representatives. The United States Census Bureau is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy.

Given the guidelines of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the purpose of this federal register notice is not to implement standards but to calculate the amount of burden that the federal government imposes on employers in the standards and try to reduce that burden. OSHA appreciates your interest in commenting on this paperwork package for the personal protective equipment in shipyards standard.

The second public comment is from an anonymous commenter under docket number OSHA-2012-0038-0019. The commenter recommends that employers should provide the proper operating tools and equipment to safely perform in the workplace.

This comment falls outside of the scope of this information collection request, which is limited to extending OMB’s approval of the information collection requirements contained in the Personal Protective Equipment for Shipyard Employment Standard for another three years.

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

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

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

No elements of confidentiality are involved.

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.

None of the provisions in subpart I require the collection of sensitive information.

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

• Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates.

• Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

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

• 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.

Respondent Burden Hour and Cost Determinations

OSHA estimates that there are 144,888 workers potentially exposed to workplace hazards that may require the use of PPE. The number of establishments is estimated to be 4,697. On May 2, 2011, OSHA published a Final Rule on General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment; (76 FR 24576) which expanded the scope of the standard to include commercial fishing, fish processing, tug and towing services, and passenger vessels. The number of establishments affected is based on the final rule and the expertise of the Office of Regulatory Analysis.² Table 1 provides a comparison of shipyard establishments by size:

Table 1

Affected Establishments and Employees by Size

Industry Code	Industry Name	Size Class	Affected Establishments	Affected Employees
NAICS 3366113	Shipyards	1000 & Up	12	69,426
		500-999	7	4,470
		250-499	19	6,254
		100-249	60	9,111
		20-99	157	7,221
		1-19*	234	1,713
Subtotal			489	98,195
NAICS 114114	Commercial Fishing	100-249	7	1,108
		20-99	26	951
		1-19	2,603	3,008
Subtotal			2,637	5,067
NAICS 311715	Fish Processing	500-999	9	5,780
		250-499	17	5,544
		100-249	53	7,944
		20-99	151	7,126
		1-19	298	1,736
Subtotal			528	28,130
NAICS 4883306	Tug & Towing Services	250-499	3	1,038
		100-249	22	3,172
		20-99	136	5,566
		1-19	882	3,109
Subtotal			1,043	12,885
	TOTAL		4,697	144,277

Wage Rates for Shipyards

The agency determined the wage rate from mean hourly wage earnings to represent the cost of employee time. For the relevant standard occupational classification category, the agency used the wage rates reported in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023. (OEWS data is available at https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nat.htm#29-0000. To access a wage rate, select the year, “Occupation Profiles,” and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code).

Total compensation for the occupational category includes an adjustment of 29.6 percent (Employer Costs for Compensation, September 2024, released 10:00 AM (ET) Tuesday, December 17, 2024) (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/ecec_12172024.pdf) for fringe benefits. This figure represents the average level of fringe benefits in the private sector. The cost of labor used in this analysis is, therefore, an estimate of total hourly compensation which is summarized in Table 2

Table 2 – Estimated Wage Rates
Occupation	SOC Code	Mean Hourly Wage (a)	Fringe Benefits (b)	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate (c)=[(a)/(1-(b)]
Shipyard Supervisor	11-3071	$53.79	0.296	$76.41
Commercial Fishing Supervisor	45-1011	$29.23	0.296	$41.52
Fish Processing Supervisor	51-1011	$34.48	0.296	$48.98
Tug & Towing Supervisors	53-0000	$22.45	0.296	$31.89
Passenger Vessel Supervisors	53-0000	$22.45	0.296	$31.89

Hazard Assessment and Verification Record (1915.152(b)).

Subpart I requires that employers conduct a hazard assessment and make a determination regarding their need for PPE. Employers must assess work activities to determine whether there are hazards present, or likely to be present, which necessitate the worker’s use of PPE. If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the employer must: (1) select the type of PPE that will protect the affected worker from the hazards identified in the occupational hazard assessment; (2) communicate selection decisions to affected workers; (3) select PPE that properly fits each affected worker; and (4) verify that the required occupational hazard assessment has been performed. The verification must contain the following information: Occupation, the date(s) of the hazard assessment, and the name of the person performing the hazard assessment.

The final rulemaking record showed that shipyards were already performing hazard assessments and reassessments as a normal and routine shipyard practice (61 FR 26345) so no burden is associated with this requirement; however, they were not documenting these assessments. Therefore, the ICR only includes burden hours and costs for documenting assessments and reassessments. The Summary of Final Economic Analysis, Regulatory Flexibility Certification, and Environmental Impact Assessment (Final Economic Analysis) in the final rule (61 FR 26322 (5/24/1996)) estimated it takes 5 minutes (.08 hour) to record the hazard assessment for each occupation covered.

The initial hazard assessment is a one-time obligation unless new or different workplace hazards arise or changes in workplace conditions are such that such hazards are likely to be present in the workplace, in which case the employer must perform an updated or revised hazard reassessment. Thus, for purposes of this ICR, the agency assumes that all 4,697 establishments have conducted their initial assessments. In addition, because the number of establishments in this industry is declining, OSHA estimates that there is virtually no establishment turnover rate in this industry.

OSHA estimates that 10 percent of the original number of hazard assessments per establishment will be reassessed each year. The total number of hazard assessments is determined by multiplying the number of establishments by the number of hazard assessments for that size of establishment. The number of hazard assessments per establishment is based on the Final Economic Analysis, which stated that assessments and reassessments would be conducted for occupations at the shipyard.

Table 3 – Estimated Annualized Respondent Burden Hours and Costs

	Size Class	Affected Establishments7	Assessments per Establishment	10% per Year	Total Responses	Time per Response (Hours)	Burden Hours	Supervisor’s Wage Rates	Burden Costs
Shipyards	1000 & Up	12	40	10%	48	5/60	4	$76.41	$306
	500-999	7	30	10%	21	5/60	2	$76.41	$153
	250-499	19	30	10%	57	5/60	5	$76.41	$382
	100-249	60	10	10%	60	5/60	5	$76.41	$382
	20-99	157	5	10%	79	5/60	7	$76.41	$535
	1 – 19	234	5	10%	117	5/60	10	$76.41	$764
Subtotal		489			382		33		$2,522
Commercial Fishing	100-249	7	10	10%	7	5/60	1	$41.52	$42
	20-99	26	5	10%	13	5/60	1	$41.52	$42
	1 – 19	2,603	5	10%	1,302	5/60	108	$41.52	$4,484
Subtotal		2,636			1,322		110		$4,567
Fish Processing	500-999	9	30	10%	27	5/60	2	$48.98	$98
	250-499	17	30	10%	51	5/60	4	$48.98	$196
	100-249	53	10	10%	53	5/60	4	$48.98	$196
	20-99	151	5	10%	76	5/60	6	$48.98	$294
	1-19	298	5	10%	149	5/60	12	$48.98	$588
Subtotal		528			356		28		$1,372
Tug & Towing Services	250-499	4	30	10%	12	5/60	1	$31.89	$32
	100-249	22	10	10%	22	5/60	2	$31.89	$64
	20-99	136	5	10%	68	5/60	6	$31.89	$191
	1-19	882	5	10%	441	5/60	37	$31.89	$1,180
Subtotal		1,044			543		46		$1,467
	TOTAL	4,697			2,603		217		$9,928

Source: Office of Regulatory Analysis, OSHA. The number of respondents is 4,697.

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.)

There are no costs to the respondents other than their time under Item 12. The cost determinations made under Item 12 account for the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from these collection of information requirements.

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.

There are no costs to the Federal government.

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

The agency is requesting an adjustment decrease in burden from 220 hours to 217 hours, a difference of 3 burden hours. This adjustment decrease results from a decrease in the number of affected establishments covered by the shipyard industry standard. See Table 3.

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 information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

OSHA will not publish the information collected under subpart I.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be appropriate.

OSHA lists current valid control numbers in §§1910.8, 1915.8, 1917.4, 1918.4, and 1926.5 and publishes the expiration date in the Federal Register notice announcing OMB approval of the information collection requirement. (See 5 CFR 1320.3(f)(3)). OSHA believes that this is the most appropriate and accurate mechanism to inform interested parties of these expiration dates.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

OSHA is not seeking an exception to the certification statement.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATON EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS.

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

1The purpose of this Supporting Statement is to analyze and describe the burden hours and costs associated with provisions of the subpart that contain paperwork requirements; this Supporting Statement does not provide information or guidance on how to comply with, or how to enforce, these provisions. This Supporting Statement does not include burden hours and costs associated with the collection of information requirements for subpart I, Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1915.154), which OSHA addressed in a separate ICR. See OMB Control No. 1218-0099.

2 OSHA based the number of shipyards (and other establishments) on the numbers estimated in the Final Economic Analysis (FEA). OSHA inflated the number of establishments based on the percent change in total establishments in the relevant industries (shipyards – 336611; commercial fishing – 11411; fish processing – 311712; tug and towing services – 488330; and passenger vessels – 483114 and 483212) from 2011 to the 2022 County Business Patterns data.

3Source: U. S. Census Bureau, 2022 County Business Patterns. CB2200CBP: All Sectors: County ... - Census Bureau Table.

4Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 County Business Patterns.

5Source: U. S. Census Bureau, 2022 County Business Patterns.

6Source: U. S. Census Bureau, 2022 County Business Patterns. CB2200CBP: All Sectors: County ... - Census Bureau Table

7 The number of authorized employees was estimated based on the number of authorized employees in the

FEA and the change in total employment from 2007 to 2001 as reported by County Business Patterns. The number

of systems per authorized employee was estimated using the number of systems per authorized employee based

on the FEA.

8