FR 2025-01399

The document in question is a notice from the Department of Labor (DOL) seeking public comments on an information collection request related to safety standards in shipyard employment. This request, sponsored by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), is being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The core objective is to minimize the burden of paperwork while ensuring that the safety measures proposed are practical and effective.

Summary

The DOL is requesting feedback on a proposed regulation that impacts working standards within shipyards. The deadline for submitting comments is February 21, 2025. They are looking for input on how to better the collection process of information, ensuring its relevance and practicality, and how it might be optimally carried out to reduce unnecessary paperwork.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several issues worth noting in this document:

1. Calculations of Burden and Costs: The document does not clearly outline how it arrived at the estimates for annual time burden or the associated costs. This lack of transparency could lead to skepticism regarding the credibility of these figures.

2. Complex Language: The section on supplementary information is dense with legal jargon and references to specific Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) sections, which might be confusing to readers without a legal background.

3. Number of Respondents and Responses: There is no explanation for the specific estimated number of respondents (4,096) or responses (258,861), leaving room for doubt about these forecasts’ accuracy.

4. Direct Impact on Shipyard Conditions: The document does not clarify how the collected data will directly lead to improvements in shipyard working conditions. This makes it difficult to assess the practical benefits of the information collection.

5. Public Comment Procedures: While the document invites public comments, it lacks detail on how this feedback will influence the final decision-making process, potentially discouraging public participation.

Public Impact

Broadly speaking, this document has implications for readers on several fronts. It encourages public participation in the regulatory process by soliciting comments. However, without clear guidance on the impact of public feedback, the significance of individual contributions can seem diminished. The document is primarily aimed at ensuring that safety standards are met efficiently without overburdening stakeholders with excessive bureaucracy.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders in the shipyard industry, particularly businesses operating within this sector, the outcome of this information collection can have significant ramifications. If the process results in streamlined, effective safety regulations, it can lead to improved working conditions and potentially reduce the risk of workplace injuries. Conversely, if stakeholders find the process cumbersome or lacking in practical utility, it could translate into additional compliance costs without corresponding benefits, affecting their operational efficiency.

In summary, while the document is a step towards evaluating and improving shipyard employment standards, its current presentation could be made more accessible and transparent. Greater clarity in explaining the estimation of time burdens and costs, as well as the direct impacts on workplace conditions, would be beneficial. Additionally, detailing how public feedback will affect the decision-making process can empower stakeholders to engage more meaningfully.

The document, titled "Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment Standard," involves a financial reference regarding the costs associated with a specific information collection request (ICR). This commentary will focus on how this financial information is discussed in the context of the document.

Financial Summary

The document outlines a financial aspect concerning the collection of information related to general working conditions in shipyard employment. It specifies that the Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden is $8,784. This figure is part of the cost analysis required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates federal agencies to estimate the economic impact of their data collection efforts.

Relation to Identified Issues

The financial reference of $8,784 is mentioned in isolation, with no accompanying explanation of how this figure was derived or what it specifically covers. One of the issues identified is the lack of transparency around the methodology used to calculate the estimated annual time burden and other cost burdens. This deficiency could potentially undermine the perception of the accuracy and reliability of the financial estimates provided.

Moreover, there is no detailed context given for how these costs will contribute to practical improvements in shipyard employment conditions. Without such clarification, stakeholders may find it difficult to understand the expected benefits relative to the financial outlay. The abstract mention of an annual cost burden without context on usage or efficiency might leave stakeholders questioning the utility of the expenditure.

Lastly, while the document invites public comments, it doesn't elaborate on how these comments could impact financial allocations or resolve any discrepancies in the cost estimations. Enhanced clarity on how public feedback would be integrated into final decisions, including potential adjustments in budgetary considerations, would be beneficial. Such information could also inform the public on how their contributions could influence fiscal aspects of the policy initiative.

Overall, while the document does provide a specific number for the annual costs burden, a fuller explanation of this figure's derivation and its implications on practical improvements in working conditions would enhance comprehension and trust in the process.