The Department of Labor has paid more than $1 billion in compensation and medical benefits to 9,134 Tennessee residents under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP).

The program assists those who became ill as a result of working in the atomic weapons industry. Their survivors may also be eligible for benefits. Since the implementation of the act, DOL has paid 51,331 claimants across the country nearly $5 billion in compensation and medical benefits.

The high number in Tennessee reflects that many of the nuclear facilities involved in the program are in the state. This includes:

• The Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
• The Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and
• The Y-12 Plant.

Said Rachel P. Leiton, who directs the program for DOL: "Individuals who worked at these and other covered facilities located throughout the state sacrificed their health to build this nation's nuclear-defense programs." She believes others across the United States and in Tennessee may not have filed for benefits.

The compensation program is divided into two parts, B and E.

Part B covers current or former workers have been diagnosed with cancers, beryllium disease, or silicosis, and whose illness was caused by direct employment for the U.S. Department of Energy or subcontractors.

Part E provides coverage to contractor or subcontractor employees exposed to a toxic substance at a covered Department of Energy facility.

DOL maintains 11 resource centers nationwide that provide in-person and telephone assistance on these programs.

There's more information at http://www.dol.gov.