LABOR

Support for program to compensate workers exposed to toxins
Department of Labor

Our work under this contract was related to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) administration of Part E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. Specifically, DOL had a need to understand covered illnesses that result from exposure to toxic substances at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, how to provide compensation for wage loss to those qualified employees, and the best methodology for accomplishing impairment ratings.

Econometrica was tasked initially with providing a list of the most prevalent diseases and toxins identified by the DOE Former Worker program, Current Worker program, or other DOE medical screening program. We then provided a matrix for use by DOL claims examiners, which was a cross correlation of disease to chemicals and the level of exposure required to cause the disease. We identified the medical evidence required for diagnosis, and provided a fact sheet for conditions that are more indistinguishable to assist DOL in review of the diagnostics. We also identified options for obtaining impairment ratings and provided recommendations for implementing the process.