Overview
Title
Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of Labor wants to hear what people think about a survey that helps figure out what different jobs need, especially for helping people with disabilities. They are asking if the survey is useful, fair, and easy to understand for everyone involved.
Summary AI
The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of the Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS). The ORS collects important data that helps the Social Security Administration assess job requirements for disability programs like SSDI and SSI. This data includes information on physical, mental, and environmental job demands, and is necessary for ensuring fair disability determinations. Comments should focus on the relevance, accuracy, and burden of the proposed information collection, and must be submitted by March 29, 2021.
Abstract
The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the "Occupational Requirements Survey." A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question, titled "Information Collection Activities; Comment Request," is a notice from the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It seeks public feedback on the extension of the Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS). The notice is published in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ensuring public involvement in data collection efforts that aim to reduce paperwork and respondent burden.
General Summary
The ORS is a survey conducted at the request of the Social Security Administration (SSA). This nationwide survey collects data on job requirements, specifically to aid the SSA in assessing occupational demands in the context of determining eligibility for disability programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The survey focuses on various occupational factors, such as the physical and mental requirements of work and environmental conditions. The BLS invites comments to evaluate the necessity, practical utility, and burden of this data collection, and seeks to improve the clarity and quality of information collected.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from this document. Firstly, there is no detailed information on the costs associated with the data collection process, which may lead to concerns about financial efficiency and possible budget overruns. Additionally, the document does not address how survey participants are selected, raising questions about potential biases toward certain organizations or sectors.
The language used in the document is complex, featuring technical terms like "two-stage stratified design" and "specific vocational preparation," which might be challenging for the general public to understand. This could hinder meaningful commentary from individuals who are not experts in government or statistical terminology. Furthermore, the document lacks concrete evidence to justify the necessity of this data collection, aside from stating its utility in SSA's disability programs.
Lastly, the document does not elaborate on how public comments will be actively encouraged beyond providing standard contact information. This may result in limited engagement from the public.
Impact on the Public
The request for public comment on the ORS has several implications for the general public. It presents an opportunity for individuals and organizations to provide input on data collection efforts that have significant consequences for social security and disability benefits. The survey results influence how job requirements are viewed and assessed, directly impacting the evaluation of disability claims.
Impact on Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders like businesses, non-profit institutions, and government entities, the ORS affects how occupational data is collected and used. Stakeholders can contribute to ensuring the data accurately reflects the labor market's demands and aids the SSA in making fair disability determinations. However, if the survey's methodology is not transparent or its necessity unclear, stakeholders might view it as burdensome or irrelevant.
Moreover, individuals relying on disability programs stand to be directly affected by the survey's findings. Accurate and up-to-date occupational data ensures that the regulations governing eligibility for benefits are fair and equitable, making it crucial for stakeholders to engage with this consultation process actively.
In conclusion, while the document's intent to involve public commentary is commendable, the complexities and lack of detailed information might limit its effectiveness in garnering broad and meaningful feedback. Addressing these issues could enhance the transparency and utility of such government initiatives.
Issues
• The document does not specify any estimated costs involved in the data collection process, which could lead to potential concerns over wasteful spending or budget overruns.
• There is no mention of specific measures taken to ensure unbiased selection of survey participants, which could raise questions about favoritism toward certain organizations or sectors.
• The document contains complex language that may be difficult for the general public to understand, such as 'two-stage stratified design' and 'specific vocational preparation', which could hinder informed public commentary.
• The document assumes a level of familiarity with government and statistical terminology, which might exclude or discourage valuable feedback from less experienced stakeholders.
• There is no clear evidence provided to support the necessity of the proposed data collection, beyond a general statement of utility for SSA's disability programs.
• The document lacks specific details on how solicitation of comments will be actively encouraged beyond the standard contact information provision.