1219-0146 Supporting Statement 2025

Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines

OMB Control Number: 1219-0146

OMB Expiration Date: 3/31/2025

Supporting Statement for

Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines

Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

This information collection request (ICR) seeks to extend, without change, a currently approved information collection.

OMB Control Number: 1219-0146

Information Collection Request Title: Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines

Type of OMB Review: Extension

Authority:

Part 75 - Mandatory Safety Standards—Underground Coal Mines

Subpart P - Mine Emergencies

30 CFR 75.1506 - Refuge alternatives

30 CFR 75.1507 - Emergency Response Plan; refuge alternatives

30 CFR 75.1508 - Training and records for examination, maintenance and repair of refuge alternatives and components

Collection Instrument(s): None

General Instructions

A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(i)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below and must contain the information specified in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses or employ statistical methods” is checked “Yes”, Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended, 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811(a), authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to develop, promulgate, and revise as may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal, metal and nonmetal mines.

In order to fulfill the statutory mandates to promote miners’ health and safety, MSHA requires the collection of information entitled Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines. The information collection addressed by this notice is intended to ensure that underground coal mine operators have an up-to-date emergency response plan for refuge alternatives in case of an emergency to protect miners and maintain training certifications and repair records.

In order to ensure the safety of miners in underground coal mines, MSHA requires mine operators to develop emergency response plans and to provide refuge alternatives. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that individuals who maintain refuge alternatives (RAs) are certified and that any maintenance is documented.

1. Relocations of Refuge Alternatives

RAs are self-contained units within underground mines that have an isolated atmosphere and provided provisions in some emergency situations. The location of RAs is vital to the safety of miners. Typically, RAs are required in certain locations (75 CFR 75.1506(c)). However, the mine operator may request approval to have the RA at a different location. Documentation of the RA, any documents associated with alternative locations, and approval of an ERP that includes an RA that is located at an alternative location are all required by MSHA.

Under 30 CFR 75.1506, the underground coal mine operator is required to provide RAs and components to protect miners by providing secure spaces with isolated atmospheres that create life-sustaining environments when escape from a mine during a mine emergency is not possible.

Under 30 CFR 75.1506(c)(2), the mine operator may request and the District Manager may approve a different location for the RA in the ERP required by section 75.1507, based on an assessment of the risk to miners in outby areas.

Under 30 CFR 75.1507(a)(11)(ii), a mine operator may request the District Manager’s approval to update the existing ERP to locate an RA in an alternative location if mining involves two-entry systems or yield pillars in a longwall that would prohibit locating the RA out of direct line of sight of the working face.

2. Emergency Response Plans (ERP)

For RAs, the ERP specifies that the breathable air components are MSHA approved, and the unit can withstand exposure to a flash fire of 300º Fahrenheit for three seconds. The ERP shall specify that the RA is stocked with the following: A minimum of 2,000 calories of food and 2.25 quarts of potable water per person per day in approved containers sufficient to sustain the number of persons reasonably expected to use the RA for at least 96 hours, or for 48 hours. For RAs that sustain persons for only 48 hours, the ERP must describe advance arrangements that have been made to ensure that persons who cannot be rescued within 48 hours will receive additional supplies to sustain them until rescued. The ERP also must specify that the RA is stocked with RA and component manuals, materials and tools sufficient to make repairs on the unit, and first‑aid supplies.

Under 30 CFR 75.1507, underground coal mine operators must develop and implement ERPs that provide detailed information about the RAs used in the mine. An ERP must include the following information for each RA as listed in 30 CFR 75.1507(a): the type of RA used in the mine, procedures to maintain the RA and components, the capacity of the RA, the duration of breathable air in each RA, the method for providing breathable air, sanitation, removing harmful gas, methods for monitoring gas, and lighting.

3. Training Certification to Maintain and Repair RAs

The RAs are vital to miner safety. Any maintenance, examination, or repair must be completed by someone who is qualified to do so through a training certification. In addition, any corrective action must be documented.

Under 30 CFR 75.1508(a), the mine operator must certify that persons assigned to examine, maintain, and repair RAs and components are trained for those tasks. The training certification for persons assigned to examine RAs and components is integrated into existing requirements that govern training for certified persons, preshift examinations of the mine under 30 CFR 75.360 (currently approved OMB Control Number 1219-0009). The training certification for persons assigned to maintain and repair RAs is included in this package under 30 CFR 75.1508(a). Under 30 CFR 75.1508(c), training certifications must be kept at the mine for one year.

4. Records of Repair and Corrective Actions

Any maintenance, examination, or repair must be documented when any corrective action is completed. Under 30 CFR 75.1508(b), a record must be made regarding any maintenance and repair performed and all corrective action taken on RAs and components. Under 30 CFR 75.1508(c), repair records shall be kept at the mine for one year.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

The records are used by MSHA inspectors to verify that mine operators properly supply and maintain RAs. MSHA inspectors also verify that, in the event of an emergency, miners will know when and where to seek refuge, that the immediate area of the refuge is secure from roof failure, and that maps are current and can be used by mine rescue teams to locate the sheltered miners. Information in ERPs assists mine operators, miners, supervisors, emergency responders, and MSHA in ensuring that all essential preparations are made and required materials are readily available and in working order. Training certifications assist MSHA in determining that persons received the required training to perform maintenance and repair of RAs. Repair records assist MSHA in identifying design flaws or other weaknesses in the RA or its components that could adversely impact the safety of miners.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

No improved information technology has been identified that would reduce the existing burden. However, in order to comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, mine operators may store RAs and ERPs in whatever method they choose, which may include utilizing computer technology to store the records electronically.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

No similar or duplicate information is available or submitted to MSHA.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities describe any methods used to minimize burden.

The information collection provisions apply to all mine operations, both large and small. Congress intended that the Secretary enforce the law at all mining operations within the Agency’s jurisdiction regardless of size and that information collection and recordkeeping requirements be consistent with efficient and effective enforcement of the Mine Act. [See Rep. No. 181, 95th Cong., 1st Sess. 28 (1977)]. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act directs the Secretary not to impose an unreasonable burden on small businesses when obtaining any information under the Mine Act. MSHA considered the burden on small mines when developing the collection. Hence, MSHA believes that these information collection requirements are imposed on all mining operations and do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small business or their small entities.

Similarly, MSHA approval regulations apply equally to all manufacturers to ensure that miners are protected from products that could cause a fire or explosion or other safety hazard when used. The standard minimized the information collection burden on small mines by: (1) requiring RAs for outby areas to be spaced within 1 hour travel distances in outby areas where persons work such that persons in outby areas are never more than a 30-minute travel distance from an RA or safe exit; and (2) providing an alternative method that allows mine operators to determine the location or need for outby RAs by evaluating the risk to outby miners.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

Under 30 CFR 75.1507, underground coal mines are required to have an ERP and RAs because the nature of underground coal mining is such that a mine emergency, such as a fire or explosion, can have disastrous consequences. The standards improve the mine operator’s preparation for mine emergencies by providing a means to sustain miners trapped by an event that makes escape impossible. If the information collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, the Agency could not adequately implement the requirements of the Mine Act and 30 CFR part 75.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

• Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

• Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

• Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

• Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;

• In connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;

• Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

• That includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or

• Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.

This collection of information is consistent with the guidelines found in 5 CFR 1320.5.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the data and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d), MSHA will publish the proposed information collection requirements in the Federal Register, notifying the public that these information collection requirements are being reviewed in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and providing 60 days for the public to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on October 4, 2024 (89 FR 80938). MSHA received 2 comments. Comment #1 from anonymous comment was the number 3. MSHA will take no action as the comment is irrelevant to the information collection. Comment #2 from R. Holland supported the information collection. MSHA will take no action as the comment is in support of the information collection.

9.Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

MSHA does not provide payment or gifts to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

There is no assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

• Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.

• If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

• Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this cost should be included under Item 13.

Respondents

All information related to quantities and inspection rates are estimated by MSHA’s Headquarters Enforcement Division based on field experience with different types of mining operations, sizes of mines, and the frequency of inspections dictated by statute. Mine operators provide MSHA Headquarters Enforcement Division the number of mines and employment, and from this information MSHA tracks the number of active and inactive mines and mine types throughout the United States.

Based on MSHA’s records, there were, on average, 313 active underground coal mines from 2023 to 2024.

Wage Rate Determination¹

MSHA used data from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for hourly wage rates² and adjusted the rates for benefits³, wage inflation,⁴ and overhead costs⁵. The occupations listed below in Table 12-1 are those that were determined to be relevant for the cost calculations.

Occupation	NAICS Code	Average Wage Rate	Benefit Multiplier	Inflation Multiplier	Overhead Cost Multiplier	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate
		A	B	C	D	A x B x C x D
Mine Supervisor[a]	212100	$52.49	1.470	1.018	1.01	$79.33
Clerical Worker[b]	212100	$22.81	1.470	1.018	1.01	$34.48

Table 12-1. Hourly Wage Rates

Notes: MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average 2023Q1-2023Q4 to determine that 32.0 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The benefit multiplier is 1.470= 1 + (0.320/(1-0.320)). The inflation multiplier was determined by using the employment price index from the most current quarter, 2023Q4, divided by the base year and quarter of the OEWS employment and wage statistics, 2023Q2, for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, current dollar index. The inflation multiplier is 1.018 = 160.1/157.3. MSHA used the overhead multiplier of 1.01.

[a] The Standard Occupation Codes (SOC) used for this occupation are (47-1011), (49-1011), (51-1011), and (53-1047).

[b] The SOCs used for this occupation are (43-3031), (43-3051), (43-3061), (43-5071), and (43-9061).

Hours Burden

1. Relocations of Refuge Alternatives

Under 30 CFR 75.1506(c)(2) and 75.1507(a)(11)(ii), the coal mine operator may request and the District Manager may approve a different location for the RA in the ERP required by section 30 CFR 75.1507. The Agency estimates that there will be 1 request received from a mine operator annually to relocate the RA and that they are appended to the existing mine-specific ERP for each mine. MSHA estimates a relocation request will be performed by a supervisor at an hourly wage of $79.33 and, on average, will take 1 minute per request.

Table 12-2. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Relocations of Refuge Alternatives (30 CFR 75.1506(c)(2) and 75.1507(a)(11)(ii))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Coal Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Relocation Requests)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Relocation of Refuge Alternatives (Mining Supervisor)	1	1	1	0.02	0.02	$79.33	$1.59
Subtotal (Rounded)	1		1		0.02		$2

2. Emergency Response Plans

Under 30 CFR 75.1507, mine operators are required to have an ERP with information about the RAs used in the mine, including a description of the types of RAs; procedures for transporting, maintaining, and using them; the rated capacity and expected number of occupants; the duration of breathable air per person; and suitable locations. MSHA estimates that there were 3 new underground coal mines opened in 2023, and each mine required an ERP.

MSHA assumes that each final ERP submission must include changes in response to MSHA’s evaluation of those plans. The Agency estimates these submissions and revisions will be performed by a supervisor at an hourly wage of $79.33 and, on average, will take 24 hours.

MSHA estimates that a clerical employee, working at a wage rate of $34.48, will additionally take a total of 12 minutes to make a record of ERP.

Table 12-3. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Emergency Response Plans (30 CFR 75.1507)

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Coal Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (ERPs)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Emergency Response Plan (Mining Supervisor)	3	1	3	24.00	72.00	$79.33	$5,711.76
Emergency Response Plan (Clerk)	3	1	3	0.20	0.60	$34.48	$20.69
Subtotal (Rounded)	3		3		73		$5,732

Note: The total number of respondents do not correspond to the sum of correspondents from each cost item because the same respondents carry out both activities.

3. Training Certification to Maintain and Repair RAs

Under 30 CFR 75.1508(a)(2), the mine operator must certify that persons assigned to examine, maintain, and repair RAs and components are trained.

MSHA estimates that training to examine RAs and components, and the certification of that training, is integrated into the existing requirements that govern training for certified persons under currently approved OMB Control Number 1219-0009. Therefore, MSHA estimates no burden associated with this certification requirement. This information collection covers training certification for persons assigned to maintain and repair RAs.

For persons assigned to maintain and repair RAs and components, MSHA estimates that on average 2 miners in each new underground coal mine will receive training from the manufacturer as part of the purchase agreement (6 miners from 3 new mines). MSHA estimates that a record of the training will be made by a supervisor at an hourly wage of $79.33 and will take about 3 minutes.

Table 12-4. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Training Certification to Maintain and Repair RAs (30 CFR 75.1508(a)(2))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Coal Mines)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Training Certificates)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Training Certification (Mining Supervisor)	3	2	6	0.05	0.30	$79.33	$23.80
Subtotal (Rounded)	3		6		0.3		$24

4. Records of Repair and Corrective Actions

Under 30 CFR 75.1508(b), the miner operator must keep a record of each repair and corrective action taken. MSHA assumes that there are 17 cases of maintenance and repair on all RAs per year: 2 in mines with 1‑19 employees; 13 in mines with 20‑500 employees; and 2 in mines with 501+ employees. MSHA further assumes that each case produces one record of repair and corrective actions. MSHA estimates that recording of the repair and corrective actions will be performed by a supervisor at an hourly wage of $79.33 and will take about 1 minute for each record.

Table 12-5. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Records of Repair and Corrective Action (30 CFR 75.1508(a)(2))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Cases)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Records)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Repair and Corrective Actions (Mining Supervisor)	17	1	17	0.02	0.34	$79.33	$26.97
Subtotal (Rounded)	17		17		0.34		$27

Hour Burden Summary

The annual respondent hour and cost burden is summarized in Table 12-6.

Table 12-6. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Summary Totals

Activity	Number of Respondents	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Records)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Relocation of Refuge Alternatives	1	1	1	0.02	0.02	$79.33	$1.59
Emergency Response Plan	3	1	3	24	72.6	91.9	$5,732
Training Certification (Mining Supervisor)	3	2	6	0.05	0.30	$79.33	$23.80
Repair and Corrective Actions (Mining Supervisor)	17	1	17	0.02	0.34	$79.33	$26.97
Total (Rounded)	21		27		73		$5,785

Note: The total number of respondents do not correspond to the sum of correspondents from each cost item because the same respondents carry out both activities. Total number of respondents is calculated by adding the request to relocate RA, the new coal mines, and the repair and corrective action cases.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information.

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60‑day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.

• Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

Under 30 CFR 75.1507, the miner operator is required to have an ERP that includes the following for each RA and components: the type of RA used in the mine, procedures to maintain the RA and components, the capacity of the RA, the duration of breathable air in each RA, the method for providing breathable air, sanitation, removing harmful gas, methods for monitoring gas, and lighting.

MSHA estimates that the postage costs for new coal mines to mail their revised emergency response plans (including RAs) will be $5.60, for a total of $16.80 across all three new underground coal mines.

Table 13-1. Estimated Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost Burden, (30 CFR 75.1507)

	Number of Responses (Mines)	Unit Cost	Cost to Recordkeepers
Mail Inventory List	3	$5.60	$16.80
Total (Rounded)			$17

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

There are no Federal costs associated with this information collection request.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

Respondents: The estimated annual number of respondents decreased from 23 to 21 due to an updated methodology.

Responses: The estimated annual number of responses remained unchanged at 27.

Hours: The estimated annual burden hours remained unchanged at 73.

Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $4,433 to $5,785 due to an increase in wages.

Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden costs remained unchanged at $17.

Table 15-1. Summary of Changes

	Previous ICR	Current ICR	Difference
Number of Respondents	23	21	-2
Number of Responses	27	27	0
Annual Time Burden	73	73	0
Annual Burden Costs	$4,433	$5,785	$1,352
Annual Other Burden Costs	$17	$17	$0

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

MSHA does not intend to publish the results of this information collection.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

MSHA associates no forms with this information collection.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement.

There are no certification exceptions identified with this information collection.

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods.

The collection of this information does not employ statistical methods.

1 For all wage rates, MSHA uses the relevant precision throughout the calculation to avoid compound rounding errors and rounds at the final rate value. Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final rate value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.

2 To obtain OEWS data, follow BLS’s directions in its Frequently Asked Questions: “E. How to get OEWS data. 4. What are the different ways to obtain OEWS estimates from this website?” at https://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_ques.htm. The average wage rate is calculated as the employment-weighted average of hourly mean wages for the occupation.

3 The benefit multiplier comes from BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation accessed by menu at http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate or directly at http://download.bls.gov/pub/time.series/cm/cm.data.0.Current. Insert the data series CMU2030000405000D and CMU2030000405000P, Private Industry Total benefits for Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, which is divided by 100 to convert to a decimal value. MSHA used the latest 4-quarter moving average to determine what percent of total loaded wages are benefits. MSHA computes the benefit multiplier with a number of detailed calculations, but it may be approximated with the formula 1 + (benefit percentage/(1-benefit percentage)).

4 Wage inflation is the change in Series ID: CIS2020000405000I; Seasonally adjusted; Series Title: Wages and salaries for Private industry workers in Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, Index. (https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate ; Inflation Multiplier = (Current Quarter Cost Index Value / OEWS Wage Base Quarter Index Value).

5 MSHA used an overhead rate of 1 percent. The mining environment generally involves very little overhead, especially costs associated with workers engaged in administrative or clerical tasks.