New Rule Helps Hanford Site Workers Access Benefits

While developing and delivering the nuclear weapons and uranium that helped make up the American atomic arsenal, workers at the Hanford Site in Washington were exposed to toxic and radioactive substances that negatively impacted their health. During Hanford’s active years, from 1943 to 1989, workers may have faced exposures that developed illnesses such as Beryllium Disease.

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides compensation and health care benefits for qualified nuclear weapons and uranium workers with work-related illnesses due to exposure. A new rule from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (OWCP) made it easier for Hanford workers to prove they were exposed to substances at work that impact their beryllium sensitivity. Previously, one test was admissible under EEOICPA guidelines. This new rule went into effect on July 16, 2024 and applies to previously ineligible and new claimants can establish beryllium sensitivity due to occupational exposure to beryllium.

To read the OWCP’s ruling, click here.

To read more about how this helps Hanford site workers, click here.

If you have questions about your workplace exposure, beryllium sensitivity, or how to make a claim, call the Cold War Patriots Outreach Help Center at (888) 903-8989 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain time, or email us at [email protected].