Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)

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ESA-OWCP New Release: [09/25/2008]
Contact Name: Dolline Hatchett Loren Smith
Phone Number: (202)-693-4650 (202)-693-4676
Release Number: 08-1313-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor assists Nuclear Weapons Workers recently added to Special Exposure Cohort

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will visit Pittsburgh, Kan., to provide information about a new class of former employees at Spencer Chemical Co./Jayhawk Works recently added to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act’s (EEOICPA) Special Exposure Cohort (SEC). The department’s Traveling Resource Center staff also will be available to assist individuals with filing claims under the EEOICPA.

The EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to employees who became ill as a result of working in the nuclear weapons industry. Someone who is included in a designated SEC class of employees and is diagnosed with a specified cancer may be eligible for benefits under the act. The new SEC class of former employees includes all Atomic Weapons Employer employees who worked at Spencer Chemical Co./Jayhawk Works near Pittsburg, Kan., from Jan. 1, 1956, through Dec.31, 1961. The employee must have worked for at least 250 workdays occurring either solely under this employment or in combination with workdays within the parameters established for other classes of employees in the SEC. Survivors of qualified Spencer Chemical Co./Jayhawk Works employees may also be entitled to benefits.

For additional information about the Traveling Resource Center or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, call 866-540-4977 toll-free. This event is open to the public and no pre-registration is required.

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