Search Results for agency_names:"Labor Department"

The Department of Labor is requesting public comments on an information collection process related to a financial exemption that allows employee benefit plans to invest in mutual funds under specific conditions. This exemption requires banks or plan advisers to disclose details to independent fiduciaries before any asset transfers and provide regular updates afterward. Comments are being solicited on several aspects, including the need and practicality of the information collection, accuracy in estimating the associated burdens, and suggestions for improving the process. The Department seeks to maintain authorization for this collection for three years, during which it remains subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Twentymile Mining, LLC, requesting modifications to existing mandatory safety standards for their Foidel Creek Mine. The petition seeks permission to use the Drager X-plore 8700 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) as an alternative to currently approved equipment, due to the discontinuation of the 3M Airstream system. MSHA outlines detailed conditions and safety measures to ensure that the Drager equipment provides the same level of protection to miners. Public comments on this petition must be submitted by April 2, 2025.

The Department of Labor has decided to delay the implementation of the Tip Regulations Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) until April 30, 2021. This decision follows a directive for a "Regulatory Freeze Pending Review" to ensure that the rule's legal, policy, and factual issues are fully assessed. Many stakeholders during a public comment period supported the delay, expressing concerns that the rule might have complicated effects on workers, including tip credit application and compliance costs for employers. The decision also allows time to address a legal complaint arguing that certain aspects of the rule are contrary to existing laws.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an interim final rule to manage the handling of retaliation complaints under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AMLA), as part of anti-retaliation efforts. This rule outlines procedures for filing complaints, the investigation process, and the resolution, including possible appeals and judicial review, in cases of alleged retaliation against whistleblowers. The interim final rule is effective from January 14, 2025, and comments are invited until March 17, 2025, to refine these guidelines. The document ensures whistleblowers are protected when they report actions they reasonably believe to be violations of law, though it excludes employees of federally insured banks and credit unions, which are protected under different statutes.

The Department of Labor has announced that its Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training has officially confirmed and approved (or "ratified") a rule concerning temporary and seasonal work needs for herding and livestock production under the H-2A Program. This rule, originally published in December 2021, outlines the process for employers requesting such labor needs. Despite some legal questions, the rule has been confirmed valid after a review. The Assistant Secretary emphasized that this move is just a precaution and doesn’t imply any legal issues with the rule's initial approval or publication.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Patton Mining LLC requesting a change to a current safety standard for their equipment used at the Deer Run Mine in Illinois. The existing rule requires all wheels of nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment to have working brakes. The company wants permission to operate a grader without front brakes, proposing alternatives to ensure safety, including limiting its speed and adjusting training for operators. MSHA invites public comments on this proposal until March 26, 2021.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is asking for public feedback on a proposal to extend the approval of certain information collection rules specified in the Lead in Construction Standard. These rules are in place to help reduce workplace lead exposure in the construction industry. OSHA is particularly interested in comments about the necessity, accuracy, and clarity of these information collection requirements, as well as suggestions for reducing the burden on employers. The deadline for submitting comments is April 29, 2025, and feedback can be submitted electronically or via fax.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking public comments on its proposal to extend approval of information collection requirements under the 4, 4'-Methylenedianiline (MDA) in Construction Standard. This rule is vital to ensuring worker safety by protecting them from the harmful effects of MDA, a chemical that can cause cancer and liver and skin diseases. OSHA aims to reduce the burden on employers by minimizing paperwork while maintaining employee safety through exposure monitoring and medical surveillance. Comments are invited until April 21, 2025, and can be submitted electronically or by mail.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking public comments on their proposal to continue the Office of Management and Budget's approval for collecting information related to confined spaces in construction sites. OSHA is focused on obtaining feedback about the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of these information requirements. They also want to know how to reduce the burden on employers while ensuring safety standards are met. The public can submit their comments by April 27, 2021, through various methods, including online submissions at regulations.gov.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking public comments on its proposal to renew the information collection requirements under the Temporary Labor Camp Standard. This renewal is part of efforts to ensure data collected is useful and efficiently formatted while minimizing the burden on businesses. An increase in reported cases has resulted in more workers living in contractor-provided housing, prompting OSHA to request a change in burden hours from 48 to 238. Comments can be submitted electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal until March 3, 2025.