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 Printer-Friendly Version
ESA-OWCP New Release: [02/01/2007]
Contact Name: Dolline Hatchett
Phone Number: 202-693-4650
Release Number: 07-174-NAT
U.S. Labor Department to Host Town Hall Meetings
Department to Explain Energy Workers’ Compensation Program
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — U.S. Labor Department officials will host town hall meetings Feb. 8, 2007, to present an overview of Parts B and E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).
Part B provides federal compensation and medical benefits to eligible current or former employees of the Department of Energy (DOE), its contractors and subcontractors, who have been diagnosed with radiogenic cancer, chronic silicosis, beryllium sensitivity or chronic beryllium disease as a result of employment at a DOE covered facility, atomic weapons employer or beryllium vendor facility. Part E provides federal compensation and medical benefits to DOE contractor and subcontractor employees who worked at certain DOE facilities and sustained an occupational illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances. Certain survivors of these workers are also eligible for benefits.
To date, more than $2.36 billion in compensation has been paid to approximately 22,300 recipients under the EEOICPA, as well as $127 million in medical benefits under the program. Covered facilities and employment periods in Simi Valley include: Area IV of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, also known as the Energy Technology Engineering Center (1955-1988; DOE remediation from 1988 to present); Atomics International (a statutory beryllium vendor, 1955-1966); Canoga Park Facility (Vanowen Building, 1955-1960); Downey Facility (1948-1955); and the DeSoto Avenue Facility (1960-1995; DOE remediation 1998).
“We want to educate as many potential compensation recipients as possible about this program,” said Peter Turcic, director of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. “Town hall meetings in areas where a large number of energy workers and their families live and work are very effective tools to deliver the right information to the right people at the right time. These meetings also serve as an important avenue for dialogue between Department personnel and program applicants.”
Department staff will be on hand to provide assistance to workers or their survivors who wish to file a claim under the EEOICPA. For additional information about the meetings or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, please call toll-free (866) 606-6302.
DATE & TIME:
February 8, 2007, at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
LOCATION:
Best Western Posada Royale Hotel & Suites
1775 Madera Road
Simi Valley, Calif.
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