MSHA Issuing New ID to Protect Industry from Identity Theft
The Mine Safety and Health Administration said it will issue a new MSHA Individual Identification Number, or MIIN, to industry personnel who apply to the agency for specific qualification, certification, and instructor credentials. Effective April 21, individuals who apply for or need to update their MSHA credentials must first register to receive a new MIIN, a unique, eight-digit number preceded by the letter "M" that will replace the Social Security number to identify them in MSHA's records.
"This new number will help industry personnel keep their personal information more secure and will provide increased protection from identity theft," said Richard Stickler, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. The agency said it will also require individuals who hold an MSHA certification for coal mine dust sampling or a certification for the maintenance and calibration of respirable dust sampling units to obtain a new MIIN in order to continue sampling.
In its announcement of the new system, MSHA said it will void any respirable dust samples submitted on or after July 1, 2008, that do not include the new MIIN on the accompanying data card. Certified personnel planning to submit any respirable dust samples to the agency on or after July 1should register for the new MIIN as soon as possible after April 21. To register for it, visit www.msha.gov/forms/forms.asp after the effective date or call the agency at 800-579-2647.