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DOE Worker Safety: Easier Compensation for Toxic Exposure Illnesses

This law significantly simplifies the process for Department of Energy (DOE) employees and their families to receive compensation for illnesses caused by toxic workplace exposure. It establishes a new group, the Toxic Special Exposure Cohort, which benefits from a presumption that their illness is work-related, and extends the deadline for appealing denied claims. The Act also mandates greater transparency regarding hazards at DOE facilities.
Key points
Creation of a new Toxic Special Exposure Cohort, automatically presuming a link between covered illnesses (including all cancers) and employment at DOE facilities, simplifying benefit claims.
Extension of the appeal period for denied compensation claims from 60 days to 180 days, providing claimants more time to gather evidence.
Mandate to create and publicly release detailed Site Exposure Matrices (SEM) listing toxic substances at every DOE facility, increasing transparency for current and former workers.
Establishment of a research program and National Academy of Sciences review to continuously identify new compensable illnesses and employee classes based on scientific evidence.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_2257
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9]
Process start date: 2021-03-26