[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 20, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16266-16267]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-6602]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Office of Workers' Compensation Programs


Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation; Proposed 
Extension of Existing Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to 
ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, 
reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, 
collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of 
collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. 
Currently, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection: Request for 
Earnings Information (LS-426). A copy of the proposed information 
collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed 
below in the address section of this Notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the 
addresses section below on or before May 21, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Ms. Yoon Ferguson, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Ave. NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone 
(202) 693-0701, fax (202) 693-1447, Email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#660003140113150908481f0909082602090a48010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d5b3b0a7b2a0a6babbfbacbababb95b1bab9fbb2baa3">[email protected]</span></a>. Please 
use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or Email).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the

[[Page 16267]]

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The Act 
provides benefits to workers injured in maritime employment on the 
navigable waters of the United States or in an adjoining area 
customarily used by an employer in loading, unloading, repairing, or 
building a vessel. In addition, several acts extend the Longshore Act's 
coverage to certain other employees.
    The Secretary of Labor is authorized, under the Act, to make rules 
and regulations to administer the Act and its extensions. Pursuant to 
the LHWCA, injured employees shall receive compensation in an amount 
equal to 66\2/3\ per centum of their average weekly wage. Form LS-426, 
Request for Earnings Information, is used by district offices to 
collect wage information from injured workers to assure payment of 
compensation benefits to injured workers at the proper rate. This 
information is needed for determination of compensation benefits in 
accordance with section 10 of the LHWCA. This information collection is 
currently approved for use through June 30, 2012.

II. Review Focus

    The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments 
which:
    <bullet> Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    <bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
    <bullet> Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
    <bullet> Minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.

III. Current Actions

    The Department of Labor seeks the extension of approval of this 
information collection in order to carry out its responsibility to 
assure payment of compensation benefits to injured workers at the 
proper rate.
    Agency: Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Title: Request for Earnings Information.
    OMB Number: 1240-0025.
    Agency Number: LS-426.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Total Respondents: 1,100.
    Total Annual Responses: 1,100.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 275.
    Estimated Time per Response: 15 minutes.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $528.00.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: March 14, 2012.
Vincent Alvarez,
Agency Clearance Officer, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, U.S 
Department of Labor.
[FR Doc. 2012-6602 Filed 3-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-CF-P


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