In order to prevent occupational injuries resulting from falls of roofs, faces, and ribs, which are a leading cause of injuries and death in underground coal mines, all underground coal mine operators are required to develop and submit roof control plans to MSHA for evaluation and approval. These plans are evaluated to determine if they are adequate for prevailing mining conditions.
The number of responses increased. In addition, there were more new Roof Plans than revised plans. New roof plans require more time to develop than roof plan revisions, resulting in an increase in burden hours and costs.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.