Search Results for agency_names:"Labor Department"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC requesting to modify a safety standard regarding the use of non-permissible radios in mines. The current rule mandates the use of approved radios, but with manufacturers no longer making these, Peabody seeks permission to use a battery-powered Motorola R-7 Portable Two-Way Radio. The company argues these radios are safe and necessary for effective communication, which is crucial for the safety of miners. Public comments on the petition are invited until January 6, 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 Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have decided to withdraw a rule that was published on January 4, 2021, regarding H-2B temporary labor certification cases. This decision was made because they received a significant adverse comment during the public comment period. The rule aimed to extend the Department of Labor's system for reviewing these cases, but it will no longer take effect. Any future changes or rules may consider the feedback received from the public.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is asking for public comments on a report that deals with keeping records of COVID-19 exposure and incidents in healthcare settings. This request is being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as per the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements. The report aims to gather information that helps protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 but is currently not being actively enforced. Meanwhile, the DOL is seeking approval to continue collecting this information for three years as it considers removing these requirements altogether.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is asking for public comments on extending permission to collect information about unemployment claims and benefits. They want feedback by May 12, 2025. The aim is to reduce paperwork and the burden on respondents, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The data from this collection helps track economic indicators, and they seek to ensure it is collected efficiently and effectively. Interested parties are encouraged to comment but should avoid sharing sensitive personal information.

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) has decided to withdraw a notice and request for comments about self-insurance under the Black Lung Benefits Act that was initially published on January 8, 2021. This decision is due to changes in the legal rules and guidance that initially justified the publication. Although the notice has been withdrawn, there's no change to existing laws or regulations. OWCP plans to review the self-insurance bulletin and will allow the public to comment on self-insurance procedures at a future date.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), part of the Department of Labor, is seeking public comments on an information collection related to "Main Fan Operation and Inspection" in certain types of mines. This effort aims to reduce paperwork and improve data collection practices while ensuring the safety of mine workers. The information collected will help monitor mine ventilation systems to identify and address dangerous conditions promptly. Public comments are encouraged and must be submitted by February 25, 2025, through various methods, including https://www.regulations.gov.

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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the applications of MET Laboratories, Inc., for expanding their recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This expansion would allow MET to include four additional test standards in their scope. OSHA is also proposing to add two new test standards to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards. The public is invited to submit comments about these expansions and proposals by February 5, 2021.

The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor has issued an annual update regarding the charges employers can impose on H-2A workers for meals and reimbursement for travel expenses. For 2025, the maximum charge for meals set by the Department of Labor is $16.28 per day, which an employer can only exceed with authorization. Additionally, H-2A and H-2B employers are obligated to reimburse workers for travel-related costs when they reach 50% of their employment period, ensuring the reimbursements do not exceed the standard per diem rate for meals and lodging in the Continental United States. These updates take effect on March 24, 2025.