SS_1218-0093_Posting Emergency Telepone Numbers and Floor Load Limits_2-12-25_ROCIS

CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS ON POSTING EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND FLOOR LOAD LIMITS (29 CFR 1926.50(f) and 1926.250(a)(2))

OMB Control Number: 1218-0093

Expiration Date: July 31, 2025

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR THE

INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS OF THE

CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS ON POSTING EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND FLOOR LOAD LIMITS (29 CFR 1926.50(f) and 1926.250(a)(2))¹

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)

CONTROL NO. 1218-0093 (February 2025)

The agency is seeking an extension of a currently approved data collection.

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.

The main purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) is to “assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” (29 U.S.C. 651). To achieve this objective, the OSH Act specifically authorizes “the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health standards” (29 U.S.C. 651). Accordingly, section 6(b)(7) of the OSH Act specifically authorizes that “[a]ny standard promulgated under this subsection shall prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning as are necessary to ensure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment, and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure” (29 U.S.C. 655).

Under the authority granted by the OSH Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA” or “the Agency”) published two construction standards that contain information collection requirements. The first standard, §1926.50 Medical Services and First Aid, paragraph (f), requires employers to post emergency telephone numbers at worksites if 911 emergency telephone service is not available. The second standard, §1926.250 General Requirements for Storage, paragraph (a)(2), requires employers to post maximum safe load limits for floors in storage areas inside buildings or other structures under construction, unless the floors rest on grade (sit on the ground).

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.

Two construction standards, “Medical Services and First Aid” (§1926.50), and “General Requirements for Storage” (§1926.250), contain posting provisions. Paragraph (f) of § 1926.50 requires employers to post emergency telephone numbers for physicians, hospitals, or ambulances at the worksite if 911 emergency telephone service is not locally available. Posting these emergency telephone numbers expedites emergency medical treatment for the worker in the event the worker is seriously injured at the worksite. Under paragraph (f), when an employer uses a communication system for contacting 911 services, the employer must ensure that the communication system can effectively do so. In addition, if the system is in an area, that does not automatically supply the caller’s latitude and longitude to the 911 dispatcher, the employer is required to post, in a conspicuous location, the latitude and longitude of the work site or other information that communicates the location of the worksite.

Section 1926.250, paragraph (a)(2), specifies that employers must post the maximum safe load limit of floors located in storage areas inside buildings or other structures under construction, unless the floors are on grade. This provision prohibits employers from exceeding the maximum safe load limit for off-the-ground storage-area floors and avoids catastrophic collapses. Direct ground support keeps the floors from collapsing and seriously or fatally injuring workers.

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.

Employers may use any available technology to meet the paperwork requirements specified by

§ 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2). The agency wrote these provisions in performance-oriented language, i.e., in terms of what information to provide, not how to provide it.

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 A.2 above.

The information collection requirements in §1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2) are specific to each employer involved, and no other sources or agencies duplicate these requirements or can make the required information available to OSHA, i.e., the required information is available only from the employers.

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

The information collection requirements specified by § 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2) do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

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.

The agency believes that the information collection frequencies required by the standards addressed in this ICR are the minimum frequencies necessary to fulfill its mandate “to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” as specified in the OSH Act at 29 U.S.C. 651. Accordingly, if employers do not perform the information collections required by § 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2) or delay providing this information, emergency treatment of workers seriously injured at the worksite may not be available in a timely fashion, and employers may catastrophically overload floors in storage areas of buildings and structures under construction. Construction workers would face increased risk of serious injury and death if emergency treatment is not readily available or if floors over, under, or near them collapse.

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.

No special circumstances exist that require employers to collect information in the manner or using the procedures specified by this item; the paperwork requirements specified by

§ 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2) are within the guidelines set forth in 5 CFR 1320.6.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date 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.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register on December 2, 2024 (89 FR 95245) requesting public comments on its proposed extension of the information collection requirements contained in the Construction Standards on Posting Emergency Telephone Numbers (29 CFR 1926.50(f)) and Floor Load Limits (29 CFR 1926.250(a)(2)) under Docket Number OSHA-2011-0032.  This notice was part of a preclearance consultation program intended to provide those interested parties the opportunity to comment on OSHA’s request for an extension by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a previous approval of the information collection requirements found in the above Standards. The agency did not receive any public comments in response to this notice.

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

The agency will not provide payments or gifts to the respondents.

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

The paperwork requirements specified by § 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2) do not involve confidential information.

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 reason 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.

The paperwork requirements specified by § 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2) do not involve sensitive information.

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 in Item 13.

Respondent Burden-Hour and Cost Determinations

The following sections describe the burden hour and wage hour cost estimates for the information collection requirements specified by §1926.50(f) and §1926.250(a)(2); these sections determine burden hours and cost separately for posting emergency telephone numbers and floor load limits.

Wage Rates:

The agency determined the wage rate from the mean hourly wage earnings to represent the cost of employee time. For the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) category, OSHA used the wage rates reported in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 [date accessed: October 15, 2024]. (OEWS data is available at https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm. To access a wage rate, select the year, “Occupation profiles,” and the SOC code.)

To account for fringe benefits markup, the agency used the BLS 10:00 AM (ET), September 10, 2024 news release: Employer Costs for Employee Compensation – June 2024 news release text; (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.nr0.htm). BLS reported that for private industry workers, fringe benefits accounted for 29.7 percent of total compensation and wages accounted for the remaining 70.3 percent. To calculate the loaded hourly wage for each occupation, the agency multiplied the mean hourly wage by one over one minus the fringe benefits.

In Table 1 is a summary of the how the wage rate estimates were derived for the information collection requirements specified by the Standard.

Table 1 – WAGE HOUR ESTIMATES

Occupational Title	SOC Code	Mean Hourly Wage Rate (A)	Fringe Benefits (B)	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate (C) = (A)/((1-(B))
Construction laborer	47-2061	$23.69	0.297	$33.70

Burden Hours and Cost Determinations:

(A) Posting Emergency Telephone Numbers (§ 1926.50(f))

29 CFR 1926.50(f)(1)

This provision requires employers with worksites in areas where 911 emergency dispatch services are not available to post conspicuously, at the worksite, the telephone numbers for physicians, hospitals, or ambulances. OSHA determines the burden hours and wage hour costs for employers to post emergency telephone numbers and emergency information based on the number of construction project sites.

To estimate the number of project sites, OSHA first reviewed the Dodge Construction Potentials Bulletin (“The Bulletin” or “Dodge data”), published by McGraw Hill Construction, for October 2024. The Bulletin shows that the industry started a total of 93,442 non-residential and, 996,341 residential building construction projects in 2023 and an additional 85,423 non-building construction projects (e.g., roads, highways, sewerage) in the same year, for a total of 1,175,206 projects. The Bulletin also identified 950,619 single-family home starts in 2023 and reflected that an additional 45,772 multifamily buildings were started that year. OSHA notes that more than one single family home may be built at a project site.

The agency estimates that construction contractors build approximately half of the single-family houses at single house project sites, or 475,310 project sites, and that they build the other half 475,310 single family houses at multiple-house project sites. (i.e., two or more single family houses per job site.). Assuming the most burdensome case scenario, i.e., that multiple-house project sites each only hold two houses, the total number of multi-house project sites is 237,655 (475,310 ÷ 2 houses per project site = 237,655).

Table 2 shows the total number of construction project sites covered by this provision is 937,602.

Table 2 – Total Number of Construction Sites

Type of Construction Site		Number of Construction Projects
		(A)2	(B)3	(C)4
Non-Residential Buildings		93,442
Non-Building Construction Projects		85,423
Residential Buildings		758,737
	One Single-Family Home Per Site		475,310
	Multiple Single-Family Homes Per Site		237,655
	Multi-Family Residential Buildings		45,772
	Two-Family Houses			14,107
	Apartments			31,665
Total Construction Sites		937,602

In the United States, when a 911 call is made from a traditional telephone or wireline, the call is routed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that is responsible for assisting people in a particular geographic area or community. Depending on the type of 911 service available, the telephone number of the caller and the location or address of the emergency is either communicated by the caller to the emergency dispatcher (Basic 911), or automatically displayed to the dispatcher using equipment and database information (Enhanced 911).

With the implementation of the wireless Enhanced 911 program, the total number of U.S. counties with 911 coverage has increased from 93 percent to nearly 97 percent. Therefore, OSHA assumes 97% of the 937,602 worksites have access to 911 emergency telephone service. It follows that the remaining 3% of project sites (28,128 sites) must post emergency telephone numbers.⁵ The agency estimates a non-supervisory construction worker earning $33.70 per hour takes three minutes (3/60 hours) to obtain the emergency phone number(s), write the information down, and then to post the information at a conspicuous location as required by §1926.50(f)(1).

Therefore, the estimated burden hours and wage hour cost of the paperwork requirement imposed by 29 CFR 1926.50(f)(1) are:

Burden hours: 28,128 project sites x 3/60 hours = 1,406 hours

Cost: 1,406 hours x $33.70 = $47,382

29 CFR 1926.50(f)(2)(ii)

This provision requires construction employers to post, in a conspicuous location at the worksite, the latitude and longitude of the worksite or other information that communicates the location of the worksite. This requirement applies to employers that use a communication system for contacting 911 services and that are in an area where the caller’s latitude and longitude are not automatically supplied to 911 dispatchers.

Since all 911 emergency calls made are routed to a PSAP or call center based on the geographic location in which the call was made, for the purpose of this analysis, OSHA is interested in those U.S. counties where enhanced 911 is neither available by wireline nor wireless device. In the analysis, as above, OSHA also assumes that 3% of all construction project sites (28,128 of 937,602 construction project sites) are located within those counties without wireline and wireless enhanced 911 capabilities and would, therefore, be covered by this provision requiring the posting of worksite location information.

OSHA estimates that a construction employee three minutes (3/60 hours) to obtain the latitude and longitude of worksite locations, write the information down, and then prominently post the information, as required by §1926.50(f)(2)(ii).

Therefore, the estimated annual burden hours and wage hour cost of this requirement are:

Burden hours: 28,128 construction project sites x 3/60 hours = 1,406 hours

Cost: 1,406 hours x $33.70 = $47,382

(B) Posting Floor Load Limits (§ 1926.250(a)(2))

OSHA believes that during construction of multi-story buildings and structures, employers usually store building materials on elevated floors as the structure climbs. Section 1926.250(a)(2) requires that employers post the maximum safe load limits in pounds per square foot for floors used for elevated storage. The standard requires the posting be done prior to storage use to prevent overloading and possible floor collapse. The agency finds that, as a usual and customary business practice, floor load limits are readily available from the

Engineering drawings maintained at the worksite. Many jurisdictions require these figures by building code.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, in 2023 there were 31,500 steel-framed multi-family homes constructed (Census, 2023).⁶ The Dodge Bulletin data showed 93,442 non-residential building project contracts for 2023. The agency conservatively estimates that all of them are subject to floor load posting requirements. The agency does not include any Dodge Bulletin non-building construction data in this calculation because of the nature of the work sites. They are largely considered horizontal construction (roads, highways, sewerage, etc.) and are on the ground. Therefore, the total number of estimated construction sites required post load limits is 124,942, (31,500 steel-framed multi-family homes, and the 93,442 non-residential construction sites).⁷

The agency estimates, these construction sites would have two storage areas and therefore would require two postings. OSHA estimates that a non-supervisory construction worker spends a total of 15 minutes per project (15/60 hours) retrieving the floor load limit data, preparing the signs using readily available materials, and then posting the sign as required by § 1926.250(a)(2). The agency estimates a non-supervisory construction worker earns $33.70 per hour.

Burden hours: 124,942 construction project sites x 2 signs x 15/60 hours = 62,471 hours

Cost: 62,471 hours x $33.70 = $2,105,273

Table 3 – Summary of Estimated Annualized Burden Hours and Costs

Collections of Information	No. of Respondents	Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Time per Response (in Hours)	Burden Hours	Loaded Hourly Wage	Burden Costs
Posting Emergency Telephone Numbers (§1926.50(f)(1))	937,602	0.02999994	28,128	3/60	1,406	$33.70	$47,382
Posting Location Information (§1926.50(f)(2))	937,602	0.02999994	28,128	3/60	1,406	$33.70	$47,382
Posting Floor Load Limits (§ 1926.250(a)(2))	937,602	0.266513937	249,884	15/60	62,471	$33.70	$2,105,273
Total	937,602*		306,140		65,283		$2,200,037

*The total number of respondents.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record-keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).

• 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 service 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 respondent (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.

Item 12 above provides the total cost of the information collection requirements specified by

§ 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2). There are no additional costs to the respondent.

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 is no cost to the Federal Government.

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

The agency is requesting an adjustment increase in burden hours from 55,184 hours to 65,283 hours with a difference of 10,099 hours. The burden hours increased due to an increase in the number of construction sites from 885,922 to 937,602 construction sites (respondents). (See Table 4 below.)

Table 4 – Summary of Burden Hour Changes and Explanation

Collections of Information	Current Burden Hours	Requested Burden Hours	Adjustments
Posting Emergency Telephone Numbers (§1926.50(f)(1))	1,329	1,406	77
Posting Location Information (§1926.50(f)(2))	1,329	1,406	77
Posting Floor Load Limits (§ 1926.250(a)(2))	52,526	62,471	9,945
Total	55,184	65,283	10,099

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 information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

OSHA will not publish the information collected under § 1926.50(f) and § 1926.250(a)(2).

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

OSHA lists current valid control numbers in §§ 1910.8, 1915.8, 1917.4, 1918.4, and 1926.5 and publishes the expiration date in the Federal Register notice announcing OMB approval of the Information collection requirement, (see 5 CFR 1320.3(f)(3). OSHA believes that this is the most appropriate and accurate mechanism to inform interested parties of these expiration dates.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

OSHA is not requesting an exception to the certification statement.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATON EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

This Supporting Statement does not contain any collection of information requirements that employ statistical methods.

1 The purpose of this Supporting Statement is to analyze and describe the burden hours and costs associated with the paperwork requirements of these provisions; this Supporting Statement does not provide information or guidance on how to comply with, or how to enforce, these provisions.

2 Column (A) is the total number of construction projects.

3 Column (B) is the residential buildings for single-family homes, multiple single-family homes, multi-family residential buildings per site.

4 Column (C) is the residential buildings for two-family houses and apartments per site.

5 U.S. Government Printing Office, Telecommunications States’ Collection and Use of Funds for Enhanced 911 Services, p. 5. The counties without 911 service, in which worksites must post emergency numbers, are in underserved rural locations where neither basic nor wireless 911 coverage is available. Source: National Emergency Number Association at www.nena.org/page/911Statistics.

6 Source: US Census Bureau, “Characteristics of New Housing, Highlights of Annual 2023 Characteristics of New Housing.” Found at https://www.census.gov/construction/chars/highlights.html. OSHA used data from the Dodge report in estimating the number of constructions starts for the 911 Emergency Medical Services section (29 CFR 1926.50(f)) above. Included within that total were new home starts. However, as has historically been the case when examining the paperwork burden for 29 CFR 1926.250, the agency is using U.S. Census data rather than the Dodge report. The Dodge report does not include data on townhomes separate from condominiums; townhomes and condominiums are grouped together in the Dodge report’s multifamily category. For the purposes of analyzing the change to this provision, OSHA needs to be able to separate condominiums from townhomes; the U.S. Census’ definition of a single family home identically matches the new home constructions that the agency needs to measure. Therefore, OSHA believes the data provided from the U.S. Census is the best available data for analyzing the proposed update to 29 CFR 1926.250(a)(2). The total count of residential construction projects in the two reports will not necessarily match, in part because the Census data is estimating housing completions, as opposed to housing starts, as estimated by the Dodge data. Alternatively, the Census data does not provide a count of non-residential building activity, provided by the Dodge data, which is relevant for calculating emergency contact numbers, as well as used here for the load limits posting requirements. OSHA used the same two sources of data in the SIP-IV

7 Source: The non-residential construction sites data is from Table 2.