Energy workers compensation act program
Staff from the federal Department of Labor will be at Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) at Technical Area 3 every other Wednesday beginning Nov. 30 to answer questions and assist Laboratory employees who have questions about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
Staff from the Labor Department's Espanola Resource Center will be at HSR-2 from 7 a.m. to noon, said Karen Martinez.
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act was created by Congress to provide compensation and medical benefits to current or former civilian employees who worked at certain government or privately owned facilities where atomic weapons were produced or tested.
Part B of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act provides lump sum benefits up to $150,000 to qualified claimants who are determined to have worked at a covered facility and developed a radiogenic cancer, beryllium disease or silicosis. Qualified survivors of these covered deceased workers also may be eligible for consideration for compensation.
Part E of the act provides benefits to contractor and subcontractor employees who worked at certain government owned facilities where atomic weapons were produced and developed an occupational illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances. While the amount of compensation varies under this program, most employees found to have a work related illness will receive a federal payment and medical benefits for the treatment of the covered condition. Survivors of deceased employees are eligible to receive compensation if it is shown that the employee's death was linked to exposure to toxic material at their place of employment. Part E also provides additional compensation for uranium workers covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and for certain survivors of covered employees.
As of mid-November, the federal government has paid more than $10 million in claims under Part B of the act, and some $2.4 million in claims have been paid under Part E of the act to Lab employees and/or their eligible survivors.
For more information, call (505) 747-6766 or toll free 1-866-272-3622.
