Workers' Compensation News

In Iowa, Labor Department Hosts Meeting To Explain Energy Workers Compensation Program

Ames, Iowa – Labor officials will host Town Hall Meetings 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 (or to certain survivors of such individuals as provided in the Act) 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 during a specific period.

Last year, Congress amended the EEOICPA to create Part E which provides federal compensation and medical benefits to contractors and subcontractors of the Department of Energy (DOE) 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 $1.3 billion has been paid to 17,635 recipients under Part B of the EEOICPA.  Under the new Part E program, over $292 million has been paid to 2,319 recipients.

If you have suffered personal injuries or emotional distress due to the negligence of workers compensaton laws in South Dakota, contact our Workers Compensation lawyer now and obtain a free case evaluation.

	Did You Know?
	OSHA has developed final "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence OSHA has developed final "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers" and draft guidelines for night retail establishments. The intent of the guidelines is to educate employers on finding ways to provide a more secure work environment. Consequently, OSHA hopes that employers will voluntarily implement workplace violence protection programs. Workplace violence has emerged as an important safety issue in today's workplaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) fatality data, assaults and violent acts caused 20 percent of the fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 1994.