Search Results for agency_names:"Labor Department"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Mingo Logan Coal, LLC to modify safety standards at Mountaineer II Mine in Logan County, West Virginia. The company seeks permission to use alternative breathing equipment, the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX, which are not currently approved by MSHA but are deemed safe under other safety certifications. The petition outlines training and safety measures to ensure these devices offer equivalent protection to existing standards. The public is invited to comment on this request by January 29, 2025.

The Department of Labor issued a Direct Final Rule proposing mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) and electronic service (e-service) of documents for attorneys and lay representatives in proceedings before the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board. The rule aims to make e-filing standard practice, while self-represented parties will still have the option to use traditional methods. This move is intended to improve efficiency and reduce processing times, and if no significant negative comments are received, it will take effect on February 25, 2021. The rule allows for oral arguments via videoconference, enhancing flexibility without compromising service access for people without internet access.

The U.S. Department of Labor has introduced a new rule requiring most legal representatives to file documents electronically and accept electronic service in cases before the Administrative Review Board (ARB), unless given an exemption for a good reason. This rule aims to streamline procedures and reduce reliance on paper documents by establishing a new set of rules for filing and service. Self-represented individuals will, however, have the option to file either electronically or conventionally. The rule is expected to make the process more efficient and aligns with practices used in federal courts.

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is seeking public comments on its proposal to collect information related to the Disclosure of Medical Evidence. This is part of an effort to reduce paperwork and ensure clarity while assessing the impact on respondents according to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Public comments must be submitted by May 5, 2025, and should focus on evaluating the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed information collection. The OWCP aims to minimize the burden on respondents and improve data collection using technological methods.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking public comments on their proposal to extend a rule approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This rule involves requirements for construction sites to post emergency phone numbers and specify maximum floor load limits to ensure safety. OSHA aims to gather feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and impact of these requirements on businesses, especially concerning the paperwork involved. The comment period runs until January 31, 2025, and interested parties can submit their feedback electronically or by other means outlined in the notice.

The Department of Labor is proposing changes to improve the rules for administrative hearings before its Office of Administrative Law Judges. The main update is to require electronic filing and service of documents, making it easier and more efficient for lawyers and their clients. These rules also allow self-represented individuals to choose between electronic and traditional methods for filing papers. The Department has considered potential impacts and ensured that changes comply with relevant laws and regulations.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection aims to gather data on an employee's average weekly wage to determine compensation benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The public is invited to comment on aspects like the necessity and utility of the information collection. Comments must be submitted by January 29, 2025, through the specified online portal.

The Department of Labor is asking for public comments on an information collection request related to employee benefits laws. This request has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval as per the Paperwork Reduction Act. Comments are due by February 16, 2021, and can be submitted through the regulations website. The department aims to ensure the collected information is useful, accurate, and not overly burdensome for respondents.

Rockwell Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a change to existing safety rules at its Coal Branch No. 1 Mine in West Virginia. The company wants permission to use certain powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, in various parts of the mine. They argue that these devices provide a safe and comfortable alternative for respiratory protection, especially for miners who struggle with existing equipment due to facial hair or inability to fit-test. The petition outlines training and inspection protocols to ensure safety and seeks to expand respirator options for miners under new regulations concerning silica exposure.

The Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services have decided to withdraw a proposed rule related to coverage for certain preventive services, including contraceptive services under the Affordable Care Act. This proposed rule aimed to address issues concerning religious objections to contraceptive coverage. They received over 44,000 comments and decided that they need more time to consider these inputs and focus on other priorities before proceeding with any new regulations. The withdrawal does not stop the possibility of proposing similar rules in the future.