People working in nuclear facilities are at risk of several health conditions. This is due to their potential exposure to radioactive materials that can cause significant short-term and long-term effects. Good thing, the government recognizes the need to pay attention to the health and protection of workers in the energy sector.
All about EEOICPA
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) is one way for the government to give importance to the health and safety of energy employees. Enacted in October 2000, this seeks to protect the interests of energy workers who sustained injury or disease due to their nature of work. Nuclearcarepartners.com noted that this applies to the surviving family members, in case the worker is no longer living.
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) division responsible for the implementation of the program makes sure eligible claimants receive their EEOICPA benefits promptly. Other than DOL, program implementation involves other federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Workers’ Eligibility
The Act’s part B provides compensation and medical benefits to eligible employees for illnesses that may be the cause of their exposure to radiation or hazardous substances. For workers to qualify for EEOICPA benefits, their illness must be acquired while working for the Department of Energy (DOE), the agency’s contractors, or subcontractor facilities.
This covers workers whose disease was triggered by exposure to radioactive materials, silica, and beryllium. Eligible employees include those who have cancer, chronic silicosis, and beryllium sensitivity or chronic beryllium disease. Workers who qualify for the benefits are entitled to a compensation of $150,000 and payment of the medical expenses starting from the date their claims are filed. The compensation may also be paid to the worker’s eligible survivors— spouse (married to the worker for at least a year), child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild.
To learn more about EEOICPA benefits and eligibility, you can consult with the agencies responsible for the Act’s implementation. Be informed and get what you deserve.