INL Work-Related Illnesses

Did you know that once you have worked at least 30 days at INL, programs are available from the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Labor (DOL) to help protect your health? For retirees and former employees, this is especially important if you have an illness that may be work-related.

Worker Health Protection Program

The DOL Worker Health Protection Program (WHPP) provides free medical screening – a comprehensive physical including blood work, hearing screening, and chest X-ray – every three years for INL former workers as well as former employees at fourteen DOE sites across the country. The goal of WHPP is to provide medical screening to detect work-related illnesses at an early stage when medical intervention may be helpful. In addition, it helps workers determine if a current health condition is the result of a work-related exposure.

For assistance to participate in WHPP, call 208-522-4748.

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program

Individuals, or their eligible survivors, who worked as an employee, contractor, or subcontractor at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, such as the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Argonne-West National Laboratory may be eligible for benefits under the DOE Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP). Eligible survivors are the spouse of the employee and children who were either under the age of 18, full time students under the age of 23, or any age and incapable of self-support at the time of the employee’s death.

Part B of the EEOICP

Part B of the EEOICP was enacted to provide compensation to workers with beryllium disease, silicosis, or radiation induced cancer. Workers whose claims are approved may receive a lump-sum payment of $150,000 and medical benefits for the covered illness

Part E of the EEOICP

In October 2004, Congress amended the EEOICP with Part E which provides compensation and medical benefits for DOE contractor and subcontractor employees whose illnesses were caused by exposure to any toxic substance while working at a DOE facility.

CLICK HERE for a Decision Chart to see how the programs mentioned above might apply to your medical situation. We suggest printing the table for easier use and a ready reference. Some data on this chart are oudated but the flowchart of the process provides a general summary of steps.

For assistance in applying to EEOICP, call the Idaho Falls Resource Center at 208-523-0158 or 1-800-861-8608