1219-0121 Supporting Statement 2025

Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines OMB Control Number: 1219-0121

OMB Expiration Date: 4/30/2025

Supporting Statement for

Safety Standards for Roof Bolts

in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and 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: 1219-0121

Information Collection Request Title: Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines

Type of OMB Review: Extension

Authority:

Part 56 - Safety and Health Standards—Surface Metal and Nonmetal Mines

Subpart B—Ground Control

30 CFR 56.3203 - Rock fixtures

Part 57 - Safety and Health Standards—Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines

Subpart B—Ground Control

30 CFR 57.3203 - Rock fixtures

Part 75 - Mandatory Safety Standards—Underground Coal Mines

Subpart C—Roof Control

30 CFR 75.204 - Roof bolting

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.

In order to fulfill the statutory mandates to promote miners’ health and safety, MSHA requires the collection of information entitled Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines. The information collection is intended to ensure that mine roof, face, and rib are adequately supported and that ground control systems are effective.

Accidents involving falls of mine roof, face, and rib in underground mines or falls of highwall in surface mines, historically, have been among the leading causes of injuries and deaths. Preventing or controlling roof, face, or rib falls is uniquely difficult because of the variety of conditions encountered in mines that can affect the stability of various types of strata. Additionally, the nature of the forces affecting ground stability at any given operation and time are constantly changing. Roof and rock bolts and accessories are integral parts of ground control systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib. Advancements in the technology of roof and rock bolts and accessories have aided in reducing the hazards associated with falls of roof, face, and rib.

1. Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications

It is necessary to ensure that roof and rock bolts and accessories are up to safety standards as they are imperative to protecting miners’ safety and health. Under 30 CFR 56.3203, 57.3203 and 75.204, the quality of roof and rock bolts and accessories and their installation are addressed. These provisions incorporate by reference the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F432-95 entitled "Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories." This ASTM standard, a consensus standard used throughout the United States, contains specifications for the chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements for roof and rock bolts and accessories used for ground support systems. These regulations ensure the quality and effectiveness of roof and rock bolts and accessories and, as technology evolves, to allow for the use of new materials which are proven to be reliable and effective in controlling the mine roof, face, and rib.

I-1. MNM Mines

Roof and rock bolts and accessories must be certified to the ASTM standard, or otherwise tested in similar circumstances to the ones in which they are being used. Certifications of purchase or tests must be made available upon request.

Under 30 CFR 56.3203(a) and 57.3203(a), mine operators of MNM mines, both surface and underground, must obtain a certification from the manufacturer that roof and rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable ASTM specifications, and that the manufacturer's certification is made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.

Under 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h), if mine operators of MNM mines uses other tensioned and non-tensioned fixtures and accessories for ground control that are not addressed by the applicable ASTM standards listed in 30 CFR 56.3203(a) and 57.3203(a), test methods must be established by the mine operator and used to verify their ground control effectiveness.

Under 30 CFR 56.3203(i) and 57.3203(i), the mine operator must certify that the tests developed under 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h) were conducted and such certifications be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary.

I-2. Coal Mines

Under 30 CFR 75.204(a), mine operators of underground coal mines must obtain a certification from the manufacturer that roof bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable ASTM specifications, and that the manufacturer's certification is made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.

2. Bolt Tension Measurements of Coal Mines

Bolt tension must be adjusted so that tension is not too high or too low for anchored roof bolts. Therefore, tension must be measured, and mine operators must take corrective action if the tension on roof bolts is not optimal.

Under 30 CFR 75.204(f)(5), in working places from which coal is produced during any portion of a 24-hour period, the actual torque or tension on at least one out of every 10 previously installed mechanically anchored tensioned roof bolts must be measured from the outby corner of the last open crosscut to the face in each advancing section. The mine operator must take corrective action if the majority of the bolts measured either:

(i) Do not maintain at least 70 percent of the minimum torque or tension specified in the roof control plan, 50 percent if the roof bolt plates bear against wood; or

(ii) Have exceeded the maximum specified torque or tension by 50 percent.

Under 30 CFR 75.204(f)(6), mine operators of a coal mine or a person designated by the operator must certify by signature and date that the measurements required by 30 CFR 75.204(f)(5) have been made. This certification must be maintained for at least one year and must be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and representatives of miners.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

The certification requirements are necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements for roof and rock bolts and accessories. The manufacturer’s certification assures mine operators that the material they use meets technical requirements established to promote safety and eliminates the concern that mine operators need to have the same engineering knowledge of the ASTM standard as manufacturers. The certifications also are made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary to attest to the appropriate testing and manufacture of the roof and rock bolts and accessories.

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.

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.

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. [S. Rep. No. 95-181, 28 (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 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 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.

MSHA believes that these information collection requirements are the minimum necessary to ensure that mine roof, face, and rib are adequately supported and that ground control systems are

effective. Reduction in these requirements may result in unsafe conditions developing in the mine, thus jeopardizing miners’ safety.

MSHA's existing regulations require mine operators to obtain a certification from the manufacturer that rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable ASTM standard or, as an alternative for roof and rock bolts and accessories not addressed in the ASTM standard, to show that they have been successful in supporting the roof, face, or rib under similar ground strata, dimensions, and stresses.

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 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 provided 60 days for the public to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on October 23, 2024 (89 FR 84627). 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 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 statistics contained in the MSHA Report Center, Mine Reference Report, there were 484 mines in Calendar Year 2023 affected by this information collection request. There were two MNM surface mines, 211 MNM underground mines, and 271 underground coal mines in 2023.

Wage Rates Determinations¹

MSHA uses 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.

Table 12-1. Hourly Wage Rates

Occupation	NAICS Code	Mean Wage Rate	Benefit Multiplier	Inflation Multiplier	Overhead Cost Multiplier	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate
		A	B	C	D	A x B x C x D
MNM mine supervisor [a]	212200 212300	$41.81	1.465	1.027	1.01	$63.53
Coal mine supervisor [a]	212100	$52.49	1.465	1.027	1.01	$79.76
Coal certified person [b]	212100	$59.68	1.465	1.027	1.01	$90.69

Notes: MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average 2023Q2-2024Q1 to determine that 31.8 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The benefit multiplier is 1.465= 1 + (0.318/(1-0.318)). The inflation multiplier is determined by using the employment price index from the most current quarter, 2024Q1, 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 1.027 = 161.6/157.3. MSHA uses an 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 (11-3051), (11-3051), (47-1011), (49-1011), (51-1011), and (53-1047). The 75^th percentile of hourly wages is used to indicate a greater amount of required experience.

Hours Burden

1. Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications

Under 30 CFR 56.3203(a)(1), 57.3203(a)(1), and 75.204(a)(1), operators of both MNM and coal mines must obtain a manufacturer’s certification that the material was manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM F432-95.

I-1. MNM Mines Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications

Under 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h), MNM mine operators are allowed to use other tensioned and non-tensioned fixtures as long as test methods are established to verify their effectiveness. Certification of these tests are required under 30 CFR 56.3203(i) and 57.3203(i). Mine operators of MNM mines have not exercised this option and exclusively use ASTM-compliant materials. Consequently, the associated burden cost is estimated to be zero.

In general, the manufacturers of roof and rock bolts and accessories provide certification documents with each shipment of those items to mine operators or to vendors of their products. In some instances, the certifications may be packed in the shipment; in other instances, the certification documents may be sent with the billing or as a separate communication to the purchaser. In most, if not all cases, the manufacturer provides the required certifications at the time of shipment; the burden experienced in acquiring certification documents is minimal.

Similarly, the certification documents are required to be available for examination by authorized representatives of the Secretary and representative of miners. They are usually reviewed when a new rock bolting appliance or accessory is being introduced into the mine or an anomalous condition is observed which raises questions about the design of the appliance in use. As a consequence, the number of instances (responses) for receiving and filing certification documents and the number of instances those documents are examined by MSHA inspectors or miners’ representatives will vary greatly with the size of the mine and the rate at which the appliances are consumed and repurchased. MSHA Headquarters Enforcement Division has provided estimates of the number of responses consistent with each of the mine types and standards.

Complete inspections are required under section 103(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(a) two times per year for surface mines and four times per year for underground mines. Under 30 CFR 56.3203(a)(2) and 57.3203(a)(2), MNM mine operators must make available the manufacturer's certification to MSHA inspectors during the inspection and to the representative of miners. MSHA estimates the cost of providing documentation to miners’ representatives are zero, as the paperwork will already be prepared prior to inspections. This would be done by at two surface mines and 211 underground mines annually. MSHA estimates that it takes a MNM mine supervisor, earning $63.53 per hour, about three minutes to obtain, file, and show a certification.

Table 12-2. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications (30 CFR 56.3203(a)(2) and 57.3203(a)(2))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (MNM mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Certification)	Burden per Response (Hours)	Annual Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Burden Cost
Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications (MNM mine supervisor)
Surface mines	2	2	4	0.05	0.2	$63.53	$12.17
Underground mines	211	4	844	0.05	42.20	$63.53	$2,680.97
Subtotal (Rounded)	213		848		42		$2,694

I-2. Coal Mines Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications

Complete inspections are required under section 103(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(a) four times per year for underground mines. Under 30 CFR 75.204(a)(2) coal mine operators must make available the manufacturer's certification to MSHA inspectors during the inspection. This would affect 271 coal mines. MSHA estimates that it takes a coal mine supervisor, earning $79.76 per hour, about three minutes to obtain, file, and show a certification form.

Table 12-3. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Providing Manufacturers’ Certifications (30 CFR 75.204(a)(2))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Coal Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Certification)	Burden per Response (Hours)	Annual Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Burden Cost
Providing Manufacturing Certification (Coal mine supervisor)	271	4	1,084	0.05	54.20	$79.76	$4,322.99
Subtotal (Rounded)	271		1,084		54		$4,323

2. Bolt Tension Measurement Certifications in Coal Mines

Under 30 75.204(f)(6), coal mine operators or a person designated by the operator must certify by signature and date that the measurements required by 30 CFR 75.204(f)(5) have been made. In 2023, the number of active producing underground coal mines was 271. The average number of days per year these mines operated was 285. MSHA estimates that a certified person, designated by the coal mines operator, earning $90.69 per hour, would take 30 seconds to certify by signature and date that the required inspection was done.

Table 12-4. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Bolt Tension Measurement Certifications (30 75.204(f)(6))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondent (Coal Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Certification)	Burden per Response (Hours)	Annual Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Burden Cost
Bolt Tension Measurements Certification (Certified person)	271	285	77,235	0.01	643.63	$90.69	$58,370.35
Subtotal (Rounded)	271		77,235		644		$58,370

Hour Burden Summary

The annual respondent hour and cost burden is summarized in the Summary Totals table below.

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
I-1. MNM mine providing manufacturing certification	213		848		42.40		$2,693.67
I-2. Coal mine providing manufacturing certification	271		1,084		54.20		$4,322.99
II. Bolt tension measurements in coal mines	271		77,235		643.63		$58,370.35
Total (Rounded)	484		79,167		740		$65,387

Note: The sum of the number of respondents might not add up to the total reported numbers in the table due to the same respondents carrying out multiple activities.

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.

The review of Manufacturers’ Certifications is performed by a GS-12 level MSHA employee.

Table 14-1. Federal Hourly Wage Rates

Occupation	Occupation Code	Mean Wage Rate	Benefit & 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).

1. Federal Hour and Cost Burden, Review of Manufacturers’ Certifications

The inspecting of roof and rock bolts is just one aspect of a mine inspection. Complete inspections are required under section 103(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(a) two times per year for surface mines and four times per year for underground mines. MSHA estimates that it takes an inspector three minutes per inspection per mine to review of a manufacturer’s certification, obtained by MNM surface mines (30 CFR 56.3203), MNM underground mines (30 CFR 57.3203), and coal mines (30 CFR 75.204). The average salary, including benefits, of an inspector is $75.41 per hour.

Table 14-2. Estimated Annual Federal Hour and Cost Burden, Review of Manufacturer Certification (30 CFR 56.3203, 57.3203, and 75.204)

Activity	Number of Respondents (Mine Inspections)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
MNM surface mine inspections	2	2	4	0.05	0.20	$75.41	$15.08
MNM underground mine inspections	211	4	844	0.05	42.20	$75.41	$3,182.30
Coal underground mine inspections	271	4	1,084	0.05	54.20	$75.41	$4,087.22
Total (Rounded)	484		1,932		97		$7,285

MSHA estimates that an MSHA inspector will review test results of other tensioned and nontensioned fixtures that are not addressed in applicable ASTM standards in routine mine visits and hence there is no extra costs associated with it.

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

Number of Respondents: The estimated number of respondents increased from 345 to 484 due to an increase in the number of coal mines.

Number of Responses: The estimated number of responses increased from 43,558 to 79,167 due to an increase in the number of respondents.

Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden increased from 420 to 740 hours due to an increase in the number of responses.

Annual Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $32,818 to $65,387 due to an increase in the number of responses and an increase in wages.

Annual Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden cost remained unchanged at $0.

Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours increased from 69 to 97 due to an increase in the number of coal mines.

Federal Costs: The estimated annual federal costs increased from $4,244 to $7,285 due to an increase in the number of coal mines and an increase in wages.

Table 15-1. Summary of Changes

	Currently Approved ICR	Revised ICR	Difference
Number of Respondents	345	484	139
Number of Responses	43,558	79,167	35,609
Annual Time Burden	420	740	320
Annual Burden Costs	$32,818	$65,387	$32,569
Annual Other Burden Costs	$0	$0	$0
Federal Hours	69	97	28
Federal Costs	$4,244	$7,285	$3,041

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.”

MSHA does not seek any exceptions.

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.

16