Proposed Extension of Hoist Operators' Physical Fitness Data Collection by MSHA
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Plain-English Summary
The Department of Labor, through MSHA, has issued a notice proposing to extend the existing information collection on hoist operators' physical fitness. The agency is inviting comments on the proposed collection to ensure the data format, reporting burden, and clarity of the collection instruments are appropriate. The extension is part of MSHA’s pre‑clearance consultation program required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The notice was published on July 27, 2026.
Current Status
This is a notice of proposed extension and is open for public comment under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
What This Means
MSHA is asking stakeholders to review and comment on the proposed continuation of the fitness survey for hoist operators, which are personnel who control lifting equipment in mines. The agency wants to confirm that the questions can be answered in a format that minimizes time and cost for respondents. It also aims to verify that the collection instruments are clearly understood before the extension is formally approved. By soliciting feedback, MSHA hopes to reduce any unnecessary paperwork and ensure that the fitness data gathered will be useful for safety oversight. The process follows the Paperwork Reduction Act’s requirement for a pre‑clearance consultation before any information collection is renewed.
Who Is Affected
The primary affected group is hoist operators employed by mining companies, who may be required to complete fitness questionnaires or assessments. Mine operators and their health‑safety compliance staff will need to administer the collection and manage the data. MSHA staff will review the comments and incorporate any changes before the collection is approved. Other federal agencies that rely on the fitness data for safety analysis may also be indirectly impacted.
Background
The notice stems from the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which mandates federal agencies to minimize paperwork and respondent burden for information collections. MSHA previously established a fitness data collection for hoist operators to monitor health standards that affect safe mine operations. The current proposal seeks to extend that collection beyond its original expiration date. The agency is using its pre‑clearance consultation program to ensure the extension complies with the Act’s requirements.
Arguments For
Proponents argue that maintaining up‑to‑date fitness data for hoist operators helps prevent accidents caused by operator fatigue or medical conditions, directly supporting mine safety. The pre‑clearance consultation also demonstrates a commitment to reducing unnecessary paperwork, aligning with the Paperwork Reduction Act’s goals.
Arguments Against
The abstract does not indicate significant controversy; if any, concerns might focus on the additional time miners must spend completing the survey, but the agency claims the burden will be minimized.
Economic Considerations
No official cost estimate is provided, so any economic impact analysis is tentative. Extending the collection could entail modest administrative costs for mining companies to gather and submit fitness information. Conversely, the potential safety benefits may reduce accident‑related expenses over time. The consultation process is intended to keep respondent burden low, which should limit any financial impact on operators and employers.
Sections beyond the plain-English summary are AI-synthesized analysis based on the sourced Federal Register filing, read, edited where needed, and approved by a human editor before publication. Full methodology: Editorial & Methodology.
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