Search Results for agency_names:"Labor Department"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, seeking permission to use certain unapproved powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) in their mine. These respirators, including the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, offer benefits like airflow comfort and suitability for miners with facial hair. Rockwell Mining argues these devices provide equal or better protection than currently approved options. The request also includes conditions like equipment inspection, miner training, and specific battery safety measures. Comments on the petition are open until January 9, 2025.

Peabody Twentymile Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard, allowing the use of a new kind of respirator called the Drager X-plore 8700 at its Foidel Creek Mine in Colorado. The company wants to use these new respirators because the previously used ones, made by 3M, have been discontinued. While not currently approved by MSHA, Peabody believes the Drager X-plore 8700 offers the same level of safety as the old models. The petition sets out safety measures and training plans to ensure miner safety when using these new devices. The deadline for public comments on this proposal is April 2, 2025.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of the information collection request titled "Work Application/Job Order Recordkeeping." This initiative aims to minimize paperwork and the burden on respondents as part of the department's ongoing effort to align with the Paperwork Reduction Act. They encourage feedback on the necessity, utility, and efficiency of the data collection and the methods used to collect it. Public comments must be submitted by March 17, 2025, and will be made publicly available without redaction.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking public feedback on its plan to extend the approval of the information collection requirements found in the Inorganic Arsenic Standard. This standard is in place to protect workers from the harmful health effects of inorganic arsenic exposure. OSHA is particularly interested in public comments on whether these requirements are necessary, the accuracy of the estimated costs and time involved, and ways to reduce the burden on employers. Comments must be submitted by April 15, 2025, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by fax.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is requesting comments on extending the authority to collect information titled "Transmittal for Unemployment Insurance Materials." This request aligns with efforts to minimize paperwork and respondent burden under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information helps the department assess state compliance with federal requirements for unemployment insurance laws. Those interested have until May 12, 2025, to submit their comments.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Mingo Logan Coal, LLC, seeking to use new respirators for miners at the Mountaineer II Mine in West Virginia. The company wants to use the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) near certain mining areas as these new models offer better protection and comfort for miners working in dusty conditions. The petition includes detailed procedures to ensure safety standards are maintained, even though the respirators are not approved by MSHA. Mingo Logan Coal claims that the new respirators offer the same level of safety as existing standards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has decided to end its rulemaking process concerning COVID-19 exposure in healthcare settings. Originally, OSHA issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) in 2021 to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19, but with the COVID-19 public health emergency over, OSHA believes a standard focusing on broader infectious diseases is more appropriate for long-term worker protection. Instead of finalizing a separate COVID-19 regulation, OSHA will concentrate resources on creating comprehensive rules addressing various infectious diseases, including COVID-19, to better safeguard healthcare workers.

Rockwell Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard for their Coal Branch No. 1 Mine in West Virginia. The company wants permission to use specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) underground, which are not MSHA-approved but considered intrinsically safe by the company. These respirators, made by 3M and CleanSpace, offer constant airflow and protection, especially benefiting miners with facial hair or those who struggle with tight-fitting masks. The petition outlines detailed training, examination, and maintenance requirements to ensure the equipment is used safely.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking public comments on an information collection request related to the 13 Carcinogens Standard under the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). This request aims to ensure employers properly record employee exposure to certain carcinogens, such as Benzidine and 4-Aminodiphenyl, and inform workers about these risks. Comments are open until March 21, 2025, and the DOL seeks feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and ease of this information collection. This effort is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, requiring approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection to proceed.

ICG Beckley, LLC has asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to allow the use of certain air purifying respirators to protect miners at its Beckley Pocahontas Mine in West Virginia. These respirators, specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, are not currently approved under MSHA standards, but the company argues they offer comparable protection and comfort, especially in hot working conditions. The petition highlights issues with the supply and discontinuation of previously used equipment and outlines rigorous inspection and training procedures to ensure safety. MSHA is accepting public comments on the petition until April 21, 2025.