Search Results for agency_names:"Labor Department"

The Department of Labor (DOL) is asking for public feedback on a proposed information collection related to the recruitment standards for Guam Military Base Realignment Contractors. This request, under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), aims to gather opinions about the necessity and efficacy of the data collection. The goal is to improve the recruitment of U.S. workers for projects in Guam as required by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010. Public comments will be accepted until February 14, 2025, and the proposed collection is intended to last for three years.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has issued a notice regarding a petition for modification submitted by Harrison County Coal Resources, Inc. The company seeks to change the existing safety standards by increasing the allowed length of certain electrical cables used in the Harrison County Mine. They argue that their proposed alternative methods provide equal or greater safety measures as compared to current standards. If granted, this modification would apply to trailing cables providing power to mining equipment, ensuring safety through specific conditions and training requirements.

The Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) invites the public to comment on an information collection request regarding ground control in coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines. This effort aims to ensure mine operators maintain safe conditions in highwalls, pits, and spoil banks. The goal is to minimize reporting burdens and enhance the clarity and utility of the information collected. Comments must be submitted by February 25, 2025, through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal or by mail.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, to modify safety standards for their Eagle #3 Mine in West Virginia. The company seeks approval to use specific powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) near pillar workings or longwall faces, arguing these provide at least the same level of safety as current MSHA standards. The new equipment offers better protection for miners, especially those unable to use tight-fitting masks. Comments on the petition can be submitted through various channels until January 10, 2025.

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 Department of Labor has ratified a rule concerning the employment of H-2A nonimmigrant agricultural workers in the U.S. This action confirms and supports the rule published on October 12, 2022, which improved standards and procedures for employing these workers. The ratification aims to address any legal uncertainties about the rule's approval process and emphasizes the rule's balance between providing agricultural labor and safeguarding U.S. workers' wages and conditions. This decision was independently reviewed and affirmed by the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training and the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC, requesting a modification of existing safety standards for their North Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The modification seeks permission to use certain Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently approved by MSHA, such as the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, to provide miners with additional respiratory protection options. The petitioner asserts that these PAPRs are intrinsically safe and offer protection at least equal to current standards, especially for miners with facial hair who cannot use traditional respirators. The proposal includes specific safety measures and training requirements to ensure the equipment is used safely.

The Department of Labor, specifically through the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), is asking for public comments on a proposed information collection regarding Roof Control Plans in underground coal mines. These plans aim to prevent accidents from roof collapses, which are a significant risk in mining. They require approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The public has until January 17, 2025, to submit comments on the necessity and efficiency of this information gathering.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting a change to existing safety standards for specific equipment used in mines. The petition seeks approval for the use of unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. Rockwell Mining argues that the PAPRs, which are not currently MSHA-approved, offer equivalent or better protection for miners compared to the existing standards. As part of the petition, Rockwell proposes safety procedures, regular equipment checks, and training for miners to ensure the PAPRs can be safely used in mine conditions. Comments on this petition are due by January 13, 2025.

OSHA has expanded its recognition of UL LLC, allowing UL to include an additional test site in Uiwang, South Korea, as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This decision follows an application from UL and an on-site review conducted by OSHA that addressed any nonconformances. The expansion means UL can now perform product testing and certification at the new site, with conditions that require UL to notify OSHA of any significant changes to its operations. This expansion is effective from December 27, 2024.