Voluntary Protection Programs; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements, 31221-31223 [2024-08690]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 24, 2024 / Notices of ITSNA’s recognition to testing and certification of products for 31221 demonstration of conformance to the test standards listed below in Table 1. TABLE 1—APPROPRIATE TEST STANDARDS FOR INCLUSION IN ITSNA’S NRTL SCOPE OF RECOGNITION Test standard UL UL UL UL 1973 2271 2524 2743 Test standard title .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... Batteries for Use in Stationary, Vehicle Auxiliary Power and Light Electric Rail (LER) Applications. Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Applications. In-Building 2-Way Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems. Portable Power Packs. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) may approve the test standards listed above as American National Standards. However, for convenience, we may use the designation of the standards-developing organization for the standard as opposed to the ANSI designation. Under the NRTL Program’s policy (see OSHA Instruction CPL 01–00–004, Chapter 2, Section VIII), any NRTL recognized for a particular test standard may use either the proprietary version of the test standard or the ANSI version of that standard. Contact ANSI to determine whether a test standard is currently ANSI-approved. A. Conditions In addition to those conditions already required by 29 CFR 1910.7, ITSNA must abide by the following conditions of the recognition: 1. ITSNA must inform OSHA as soon as possible, in writing, of any change of ownership, facilities, or key personnel, and of any major change in its operations as a NRTL, and provide details of the change(s); 2. ITSNA must meet all the terms of its recognition and comply with all OSHA policies pertaining to this recognition; and 3. ITSNA must continue to meet the requirements for recognition, including all previously published conditions on ITSNA’s scope of recognition, in all areas for which it has recognition. Pursuant to the authority in 29 CFR 1910.7, OSHA hereby expands the scope of recognition of ITSNA as a NRTL, subject to the limitations and conditions specified above. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES III. Authority and Signature James S. Frederick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, authorized the preparation of this notice. Accordingly, the agency is issuing this notice pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 657(g)(2), Secretary of Labor’s Order No. 8–2020 (85 FR 58393, Sept. 18, 2020), and 29 CFR 1910.7. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:48 Apr 23, 2024 Jkt 262001 Signed at Washington, DC, on April 17, 2024. James S. Frederick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. SUMMARY: 693–2350 (TTY (877) 889–5627) for assistance in locating docket submissions. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and OSHA docket number (OSHA–2011–0056) for the Information Collection Request (ICR). OSHA will place all comments, including any personal information, in the public docket, which may be made available online. Therefore, OSHA cautions interested parties about submitting personal information such as social security numbers and birthdates. For further information on submitting comments, see the ‘‘Public Participation’’ heading in the section of this notice titled SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Seleda Perryman, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor; telephone (202) 693–2222. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments must be submitted (postmarked, sent, or received) by June 24, 2024. ADDRESSES: Electronically: You may submit comments and attachments electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for submitting comments. Docket: To read or download comments or other material in the docket, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Documents in the docket are listed in the https:// www.regulations.gov index; however, some information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to read or download through the websites. All submissions, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection through the OSHA Docket Office. Contact the OSHA Docket Office at (202) I. Background The Department of Labor, as part of the continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent (i.e., employer) burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing information collection requirements in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program ensures that information is in the desired format, reporting burden (time and costs) is minimal, the collection instruments are clearly understood, and OSHA’s estimate of the information collection burden is accurate. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.) authorizes information collection by employers as necessary or appropriate for enforcement of the OSH Act or for developing information regarding the causes and prevention of occupational injuries, illnesses, and accidents (29 U.S.C. 657). The OSH Act also requires that OSHA obtain such information with minimum burden upon employers, especially those operating small [FR Doc. 2024–08686 Filed 4–23–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–26–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety and Health Administration [Docket No. OSHA–2011–0056] Voluntary Protection Programs; Extension of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Approval of Information Collection (Paperwork) Requirements Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. ACTION: Request for public comments. AGENCY: OSHA solicits public comments concerning the proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval of the information collection requirements specified in the Voluntary Protection Program. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\24APN1.SGM 24APN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 31222 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 24, 2024 / Notices businesses, and to reduce to the maximum extent feasible unnecessary duplication of effort in obtaining information (29 U.S.C. 657). The following sections describe who uses the information collected under each requirement, as well as how they use it. The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) 1 established the efficacy of cooperative action among government, industry, and labor to address employee safety and health issues and to expand employee protection. To qualify, employers must meet OSHA’s safety and health management criteria which focus on comprehensive management programs and active employee involvement to prevent or control worksite safety and health hazards. Employers who qualify generally view OSHA standards as a minimum level of safety and health performance, and set their own more stringent standards, wherever necessary, to improve employee protection. Prospective VPP worksites must submit an application that includes: • General applicant information (e.g., site, corporate, and collective bargaining contact information). • Injury and illness rate performance information (i.e., number of employees and/or applicable contractors on-site, type of work performed and products produced, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and Recordable Injury and Illness Case Incidence Rate information. • Safety and health management program information (i.e., description of the applicant’s safety and health management programs including how the programs successfully addresses management leadership and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training OSHA uses this information to determine whether an applicant is ready for a VPP on-site evaluation and as a verification tool during VPP on-site evaluations. Without this information, OSHA would be unable to determine which sites are ready for VPP status. Each current VPP applicant is also required to submit an annual evaluation which addresses how that applicant is continuing the adherence to programmatic requirements. In 2008, OSHA modified procedures for VPP applicants, OSHA on-site evaluation, and Annual participant self-evaluation for applicants/participants subject to OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard. Applicants that perform works that use or produce 1 Source: Adopted by OSHA on July 2,1982 (47 FR 29025). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:48 Apr 23, 2024 Jkt 262001 highly hazardous chemical exceeding specified limits covered under the PSM standard must submit responses to the PSM application supplement along with their VPP application. Once in the VPP, the participant is required to submit an annual evaluation detailing the continued adherence to programmatic requirements. Applicants covered under the PSM standard are required to submit a PSM questionnaire a supplemental document as part of their annual submission. OSHA needs this information to ensure that the participant remains qualified to participate in the VPP between the onsite evaluations. Without this information, OSHA would be unable to determine whether applicants are maintaining excellent safety and health management programs during this interim period. In 2009, with the publication of the Federal Register Notice (FRN), VPP revised the traditional focus on individual fixed worksites (site-based) by adding two new ways to participate: mobile workforce and corporate. A significant reorganization of the program helps clarify the multiple participation options now available. Employees of VPP participants may apply to participate in the Special Government Employee (SGE) Program. The SGE Program offers private and public sector safety and health professionals and other qualified participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and grow professionally while serving as full-fledged team members on OSHA’s VPP on-site evaluations. In that capacity, SGEs may review company documents, assist with worksite walkthroughs, interview employees, and assist in preparing VPP on-site evaluation reports. Potential SGEs must submit an application that includes: • SGE Eligibility Information Sheet (i.e., applicant’s name, professional credentials, site/corporate contact information, etc.); • Current Resume; • Optional Application for Federal Employment OF–612; and • Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450). OSHA uses the SGE Eligibility Information Sheet to ensure that the potential SGE works at a VPP site and meets the minimum eligibility qualifications. The resume is required to provide a detailed description of their current duties and responsibilities as they relate to safety and health and the implementation of an effective safety and health management program. The OGE Form 450 is used to ensure that SGEs do not participate in on-site PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 evaluations at VPP sites where they have a financial interest. OSHA Challenge is designed to reach and guide employers and companies in all major industry groups who are strongly committed to improving their safety and health management programs and possibly pursuing recognition in the VPP. The Challenge Administrators application is used to: (1) conduct a preliminary analysis of the applicant’s knowledge of safety and health management programs; and (2) make a determination regarding the applicant’s qualifications to become a Challenge Administrator. Once a Challenge Administrator is approved, the Administrator will review each challenge candidate’s application/ annual submissions to ensure that all necessary information is provided, prior to forwarding to OSHA’s National Office for acceptance and analysis. II. Special Issues for Comment OSHA has a particular interest in comments on the following issues: • Whether the proposed information collection requirements are necessary for the proper performance of the agency’s functions to protect workers, including whether the information is useful; • The accuracy of OSHA’s estimate of the burden (time and costs) of the information collection requirements, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • The quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and • Ways to minimize the burden on employers who must comply; for example, by using automated or other technological information, and transmission techniques. III. Proposed Actions OSHA is requesting that OMB extend the approval of the information collection requirements contained in Voluntary Protection Programs. The agency is requesting an adjustment decrease from 90,500 hours to 69,657 hours, a difference of 20,843 hours. This decrease is due to the lack of Challenge Participation, lack of training of new SGE applicants and re-approval training of existing SGE’s. The lingering effect of the COVID–19 Pandemic effected all OSHA Cooperative Programs. OSHA will summarize the comments submitted in response to this notice and will include this summary in the request to OMB to extend the approval of the information collection requirements. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. E:\FR\FM\24APN1.SGM 24APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 80 / Wednesday, April 24, 2024 / Notices Title: Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). OMB Control Number: 1218–0239. Affected Public: Business or other forprofits. Number of Respondents: 3,751. Number of Responses: 3,295. Frequency of Responses: Various. Average Time per Response: Varies. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 69,657. Estimated Cost (Operation and Maintenance): $0. Signed at Washington, DC, on April 17, 2024. James S. Frederick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. IV. Public Participation—Submission of Comments on This Notice and Internet Access to Comments and Submissions TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.: Grant of Expansion of Recognition You may submit comments in response to this document as follows: (1) electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal; or (2) by facsimile (fax), if your comments, including attachments, are not longer than 10 pages you may fax them to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693–1648. All comments, attachments, and other material must identify the agency name and the OSHA docket number for the ICR OSHA–2011–0056. You may supplement electronic submission by uploading document files electronically. Comments and submissions are posted without change at https:// www.regulations.gov. Therefore, OSHA cautions commenters about submitting personal information such as social security numbers and dates of birth. Although all submissions are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index, some information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to read or download from this website. All submission, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection and copying at the OSHA Docket Office. Information on using the https:// www.regulations.gov website to submit comments and access the docket is available at the website’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. Contact the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693–2350, (TTY (877) 889–5627) for information about materials not available from the website, and for assistance in using the internet to locate docket submissions. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES V. Authority and Signature James S. Frederick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, directed the preparation of this notice. The authority for this notice is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506 et seq.) and Secretary of Labor’s Order No. 8–2020 (85 FR 58393). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:48 Apr 23, 2024 Jkt 262001 [FR Doc. 2024–08690 Filed 4–23–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–26–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety and Health Administration [Docket No. OSHA–2007–0042] Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In this notice, OSHA announces the final decision to expand the scope of recognition for TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc., as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). DATES: The expansion of the scope of recognition becomes effective on April 24, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information regarding this notice is available from the following sources: Press inquiries: Contact Mr. Frank Meilinger, Director, OSHA Office of Communications, U.S. Department of Labor; telephone: (202) 693–1999; email: meilinger.francis2@dol.gov. General and technical information: Contact Mr. Kevin Robinson, Director, Office of Technical Programs and Coordination Activities, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor; telephone: (202) 693–1911; email: robinson.kevin@dol.gov. OSHA’s web page includes information about the NRTL Program (see https:// www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/ index.html). SUMMARY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Notice of Final Decision OSHA hereby gives notice of the expansion of the scope of recognition of TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc. (TUVRNA), as a NRTL. TUVRNA’s expansion covers the addition of two test standards to the NRTL scope of recognition. OSHA recognition of a NRTL signifies that the organization meets the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.7. Recognition is an acknowledgment that the organization can perform independent safety testing PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31223 and certification of the specific products covered within the scope of recognition. Each NRTL’s scope of recognition includes (1) the type of products the NRTL may test, with each type specified by the applicable test standard and (2) the recognized site(s) that has/have the technical capability to perform the product-testing and productcertification activities for test standards within the NRTL’s scope. Recognition is not a delegation or grant of government authority; however, recognition enables employers to use products approved by the NRTL to meet OSHA standards that require product testing and certification. The agency processes applications by NRTLs or applicant organizations for initial recognition, as well as for expansion or renewal of recognition, following requirements in appendix A to 29 CFR 1910.7. This appendix requires that the agency publish two notices in the Federal Register in processing an application. In the first notice, OSHA announces the application and provides the preliminary finding. In the second notice, the agency provides the final decision on the application. These notices set forth the NRTL’s scope of recognition or modifications of that scope. OSHA maintains an informational web page for each NRTL, including TUVRNA, which details that NRTL’s scope of recognition. These pages are available from the OSHA website at https://www.osha.gov/dts/ otpca/nrtl/. TUVRNA submitted an application, dated June 7, 2023 (OSHA–2007–0042– 0072), to expand recognition to include the addition of two test standards to the NRTL scope of recognition. OSHA staff performed a detailed analysis of the application packet and reviewed other pertinent information. OSHA did not perform any on-site reviews in relation to this application. OSHA published the preliminary notice announcing TUVRNA’s expansion application in the Federal Register on March 25, 2024 (89 FR 20705). The agency requested comments by April 9, 2024, but it received no comments in response to this notice. OSHA now is proceeding with this final notice to grant expansion of TUVRNA’s scope of recognition. To review copies of all public documents pertaining to TUVRNA’s application, go to www.regulations.gov or contact the OSHA Docket Office. Docket No. OSHA–2007–0042 contains all materials in the record concerning TUVRNA’s recognition. E:\FR\FM\24APN1.SGM 24APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 80 (Wednesday, April 24, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31221-31223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08690]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. OSHA-2011-0056]


Voluntary Protection Programs; Extension of the Office of 
Management and Budget's (OMB) Approval of Information Collection 
(Paperwork) Requirements

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: OSHA solicits public comments concerning the proposal to 
extend the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval of the 
information collection requirements specified in the Voluntary 
Protection Program.

DATES: Comments must be submitted (postmarked, sent, or received) by 
June 24, 2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    Electronically: You may submit comments and attachments 
electronically at https://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for submitting 
comments.
    Docket: To read or download comments or other material in the 
docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov. Documents in the docket are 
listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index; however, some 
information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to 
read or download through the websites. All submissions, including 
copyrighted material, are available for inspection through the OSHA 
Docket Office. Contact the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-2350 (TTY 
(877) 889-5627) for assistance in locating docket submissions.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and OSHA 
docket number (OSHA-2011-0056) for the Information Collection Request 
(ICR). OSHA will place all comments, including any personal 
information, in the public docket, which may be made available online. 
Therefore, OSHA cautions interested parties about submitting personal 
information such as social security numbers and birthdates.
    For further information on submitting comments, see the ``Public 
Participation'' heading in the section of this notice titled 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Seleda Perryman, Directorate of 
Standards and Guidance, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor; telephone (202) 
693-2222.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Department of Labor, as part of the continuing effort to reduce 
paperwork and respondent (i.e., employer) burden, conducts a 
preclearance consultation program to provide the public with an 
opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing information 
collection requirements in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program ensures that 
information is in the desired format, reporting burden (time and costs) 
is minimal, the collection instruments are clearly understood, and 
OSHA's estimate of the information collection burden is accurate. The 
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) (29 U.S.C. 651 et 
seq.) authorizes information collection by employers as necessary or 
appropriate for enforcement of the OSH Act or for developing 
information regarding the causes and prevention of occupational 
injuries, illnesses, and accidents (29 U.S.C. 657). The OSH Act also 
requires that OSHA obtain such information with minimum burden upon 
employers, especially those operating small

[[Page 31222]]

businesses, and to reduce to the maximum extent feasible unnecessary 
duplication of effort in obtaining information (29 U.S.C. 657).
    The following sections describe who uses the information collected 
under each requirement, as well as how they use it. The Voluntary 
Protection Program (VPP) \1\ established the efficacy of cooperative 
action among government, industry, and labor to address employee safety 
and health issues and to expand employee protection. To qualify, 
employers must meet OSHA's safety and health management criteria which 
focus on comprehensive management programs and active employee 
involvement to prevent or control worksite safety and health hazards. 
Employers who qualify generally view OSHA standards as a minimum level 
of safety and health performance, and set their own more stringent 
standards, wherever necessary, to improve employee protection. 
Prospective VPP worksites must submit an application that includes:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Source: Adopted by OSHA on July 2,1982 (47 FR 29025).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     General applicant information (e.g., site, corporate, and 
collective bargaining contact information).
     Injury and illness rate performance information (i.e., 
number of employees and/or applicable contractors on-site, type of work 
performed and products produced, North American Industry Classification 
System (NAICS), and Recordable Injury and Illness Case Incidence Rate 
information.
     Safety and health management program information (i.e., 
description of the applicant's safety and health management programs 
including how the programs successfully addresses management leadership 
and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and 
control, and safety and health training OSHA uses this information to 
determine whether an applicant is ready for a VPP on-site evaluation 
and as a verification tool during VPP on-site evaluations. Without this 
information, OSHA would be unable to determine which sites are ready 
for VPP status.
    Each current VPP applicant is also required to submit an annual 
evaluation which addresses how that applicant is continuing the 
adherence to programmatic requirements. In 2008, OSHA modified 
procedures for VPP applicants, OSHA on-site evaluation, and Annual 
participant self-evaluation for applicants/participants subject to 
OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard. Applicants that 
perform works that use or produce highly hazardous chemical exceeding 
specified limits covered under the PSM standard must submit responses 
to the PSM application supplement along with their VPP application.
    Once in the VPP, the participant is required to submit an annual 
evaluation detailing the continued adherence to programmatic 
requirements. Applicants covered under the PSM standard are required to 
submit a PSM questionnaire a supplemental document as part of their 
annual submission. OSHA needs this information to ensure that the 
participant remains qualified to participate in the VPP between the on-
site evaluations. Without this information, OSHA would be unable to 
determine whether applicants are maintaining excellent safety and 
health management programs during this interim period.
    In 2009, with the publication of the Federal Register Notice (FRN), 
VPP revised the traditional focus on individual fixed worksites (site-
based) by adding two new ways to participate: mobile workforce and 
corporate. A significant reorganization of the program helps clarify 
the multiple participation options now available.
    Employees of VPP participants may apply to participate in the 
Special Government Employee (SGE) Program. The SGE Program offers 
private and public sector safety and health professionals and other 
qualified participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, gain new 
perspectives, and grow professionally while serving as full-fledged 
team members on OSHA's VPP on-site evaluations. In that capacity, SGEs 
may review company documents, assist with worksite walkthroughs, 
interview employees, and assist in preparing VPP on-site evaluation 
reports. Potential SGEs must submit an application that includes:
     SGE Eligibility Information Sheet (i.e., applicant's name, 
professional credentials, site/corporate contact information, etc.);
     Current Resume;
     Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612; and
     Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450).
    OSHA uses the SGE Eligibility Information Sheet to ensure that the 
potential SGE works at a VPP site and meets the minimum eligibility 
qualifications. The resume is required to provide a detailed 
description of their current duties and responsibilities as they relate 
to safety and health and the implementation of an effective safety and 
health management program. The OGE Form 450 is used to ensure that SGEs 
do not participate in on-site evaluations at VPP sites where they have 
a financial interest.
    OSHA Challenge is designed to reach and guide employers and 
companies in all major industry groups who are strongly committed to 
improving their safety and health management programs and possibly 
pursuing recognition in the VPP. The Challenge Administrators 
application is used to: (1) conduct a preliminary analysis of the 
applicant's knowledge of safety and health management programs; and (2) 
make a determination regarding the applicant's qualifications to become 
a Challenge Administrator. Once a Challenge Administrator is approved, 
the Administrator will review each challenge candidate's application/
annual submissions to ensure that all necessary information is 
provided, prior to forwarding to OSHA's National Office for acceptance 
and analysis.

II. Special Issues for Comment

    OSHA has a particular interest in comments on the following issues:
     Whether the proposed information collection requirements 
are necessary for the proper performance of the agency's functions to 
protect workers, including whether the information is useful;
     The accuracy of OSHA's estimate of the burden (time and 
costs) of the information collection requirements, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
     The quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
collected; and
     Ways to minimize the burden on employers who must comply; 
for example, by using automated or other technological information, and 
transmission techniques.

III. Proposed Actions

    OSHA is requesting that OMB extend the approval of the information 
collection requirements contained in Voluntary Protection Programs. The 
agency is requesting an adjustment decrease from 90,500 hours to 69,657 
hours, a difference of 20,843 hours. This decrease is due to the lack 
of Challenge Participation, lack of training of new SGE applicants and 
re-approval training of existing SGE's. The lingering effect of the 
COVID-19 Pandemic effected all OSHA Cooperative Programs.
    OSHA will summarize the comments submitted in response to this 
notice and will include this summary in the request to OMB to extend 
the approval of the information collection requirements.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

[[Page 31223]]

    Title: Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
    OMB Control Number: 1218-0239.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profits.
    Number of Respondents: 3,751.
    Number of Responses: 3,295.
    Frequency of Responses: Various.
    Average Time per Response: Varies.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 69,657.
    Estimated Cost (Operation and Maintenance): $0.

IV. Public Participation--Submission of Comments on This Notice and 
Internet Access to Comments and Submissions

    You may submit comments in response to this document as follows: 
(1) electronically at https://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal; or (2) by facsimile (fax), if your comments, 
including attachments, are not longer than 10 pages you may fax them to 
the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-1648. All comments, attachments, 
and other material must identify the agency name and the OSHA docket 
number for the ICR OSHA-2011-0056. You may supplement electronic 
submission by uploading document files electronically.
    Comments and submissions are posted without change at https://www.regulations.gov. Therefore, OSHA cautions commenters about 
submitting personal information such as social security numbers and 
dates of birth. Although all submissions are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index, some information (e.g., copyrighted 
material) is not publicly available to read or download from this 
website. All submission, including copyrighted material, are available 
for inspection and copying at the OSHA Docket Office. Information on 
using the https://www.regulations.gov website to submit comments and 
access the docket is available at the website's ``User Tips'' link. 
Contact the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-2350, (TTY (877) 889-5627) 
for information about materials not available from the website, and for 
assistance in using the internet to locate docket submissions.

V. Authority and Signature

    James S. Frederick, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Occupational Safety and Health, directed the preparation of this 
notice. The authority for this notice is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506 et seq.) and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 8-2020 
(85 FR 58393).

    Signed at Washington, DC, on April 17, 2024.
James S. Frederick,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 2024-08690 Filed 4-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-26-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.