Providing Compensation to America's Nuclear Weapons Workers

2000-12-11Executive Order 13179
Signed by: William J. Clinton
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Headline: Establishes Compensation Program for America's Nuclear Weapons Workers

What it does: Federal agencies must implement the compensation program and administer benefits to eligible nuclear weapons workers and their survivors.

Real World Impact:
  • Provides direct compensation to workers and survivors with occupational illnesses.
  • Requires federal agencies to share exposure records and help identify eligible people.
  • Establishes assistance to help former workers file State workers' compensation claims.
Topics: worker compensation, nuclear workers, health and safety, federal benefits

Summary

This order implements the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act and creates a federal program to pay workers and survivors who developed illnesses from nuclear weapons work. It assigns the Department of Labor to run the program, the health agency to set medical and radiation rules, and the energy agency to provide records, identify eligible people, and help with State claims.

It also creates an advisory board and an interagency working group and requires annual reporting on program activities. The stated goal is fair, timely, and compassionate compensation for affected workers and their families.

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