Search Results for agency_names:"Labor Department"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Blue Diamond Coal Co. to modify existing safety standards that require the use of permissible electric equipment in coal mines. The company requested permission to use specific types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, as alternatives to currently used respirators. They argue these devices can offer air filtration and comfort, especially for miners with facial hair who might otherwise struggle with current equipment. The proposal includes specific guidelines and conditions to ensure the safety of miners when using these PAPRs underground.

The Department of Labor has granted an exemption to the Boilermakers Western States Apprenticeship Fund, allowing it to purchase a property in Page, Arizona, from Lodge 4, despite restrictions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This decision was made to avoid the costs and time of relocating the Plan's training program and because the property is already modified for this purpose. An independent fiduciary will ensure that the property is bought at fair market value, adhering to all necessary conditions. The purchase will help maintain the training program and provide administrative space for the Plan's headquarters.

The Department of Labor is proposing to extend the effective periods for exemptions involving the Royal Bank of Canada and Northern Trust to prevent a gap in exemptive relief, which would be detrimental to affected clients and their participants. If approved, this extension will last until either September 4, 2025, or until the Department makes a final decision regarding long-term exemptions, whichever occurs first. Both banks' exemptions relate to past convictions for aiding and abetting tax fraud, but they will still be allowed to operate under strict conditions if they meet the required terms. Public comments and requests for a hearing regarding these proposed amendments must be submitted by February 26, 2025.

The Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health will hold a meeting on February 5-6, 2025, in Richland, WA, near the Hanford Site, to discuss various issues related to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Public participation is encouraged, and people can submit comments or request to speak by January 29, 2025, through email or mail. The Advisory Board aims to review past recommendations, discuss new issues, and address concerns related to claims and medical guidance for workers affected by toxic substances. The meeting will be open to the public with an opportunity for comments on February 5, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Labor is updating the civil monetary penalties it can impose, based on inflation, as part of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This requires an annual review and adjustment of penalty amounts to ensure they keep pace with inflation. These updates are set to take effect on January 15, 2021, and apply to penalties assessed after this date. Different divisions within the Department, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, are involved in overseeing these changes, which aim to maintain their deterrent effect.

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's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is requesting public comments on extending the use of several forms related to the H-2A visa program. This program allows U.S. agricultural employers to hire temporary foreign workers when no qualified U.S. workers are available. The forms in question help ensure that the hiring of foreign workers does not negatively impact wages or working conditions for U.S. workers. Comments on the proposed extension are encouraged and should be submitted by February 10, 2025.

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is seeking public comments on a planned update to its information collection regarding apprenticeship programs. This revision aims to streamline the data collection process to minimize paperwork and enhance clarity. The update will incorporate modifications to existing forms and introduce a new form for state apprenticeship agencies. Feedback is requested by March 15, 2021, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the data gathering process, as well as to ensure compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration announced a petition by Canyon Fuel Company, LLC seeking to modify existing safety standards for their Sufco Mine in Utah. They want to use a new respiratory protection system, the Drager X-plore 8000, due to shortages of some components of their current system. This new system is purported to offer equivalent safety to the miners while being ergonomically better and certified for use in hazardous locations. Public comments on this petition are open until February 24, 2025.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is asking for public feedback on their plan to gather information for the Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) Evaluation. This evaluation aims to study how effective reentry services are in helping people leaving federal prisons find employment. They are particularly interested in comments about whether the data collection is useful, how accurate their estimates are, and ways to reduce the paperwork burden. The data collection includes a survey of individuals participating in the program, and responses will help them understand and improve the support provided to inmates reentering the workforce.