The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) health and safety programs help ensure protection of workers and the public from the hazards associated with Department operations. Worker health and safety policy, program tools and assistance resources are available for current and former DOE Federal, contractor, and subcontractor workers who work at Department of Energy facilities.
The Department implements medical surveillance and screening programs for current and former workers and support the Department of Labor in the implementation of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Health studies are conducted to determine worker and public health effects from exposure to hazardous materials associated with Department operations and supports international health studies and programs. Departmental worker health and safety programs and activities also serve to assist DOE Headquarters and field elements in implementation of policy and resolving worker safety and health issues.
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Chief Medical Officer
DOE’s CMO serves as the chief occupational and environmental medicine physician for the Department in support of over 50 occupational health facilities which in turn provide healthcare over 100,000 DOE Federal and contractor employees, as well as over 60,000 former DOE employees. The Department’s CMO functions as an integral member of the Department’s Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) organization.
Learn more information about the Chief Medical Officer
DOE Contractor Employee Assistance Program
EHSS provides support and assistance to DOE contractors with their implementation of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). DOE EAPs are governed by a series of laws and Federal regulations including Public Law 79-658 (which authorizes Federal agencies to operate programs to promote and maintain employees’ physical and mental health) and Public Law 91-616 and 92-255 (which requires development of appropriate programs to treat and rehabilitate employees with alcohol and/or drug problems).
Learn more information about the DOE Contractor Employee Assistance Program
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was enacted to provide compensation and medical benefits to employees who worked at certain Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, including contractors and subcontractors at those locations, and certain number of its vendors.
Adjudication of issues pertaining to all claims for benefits under the EEOICPA is the responsibility of the Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL is supported in its role by the DOE, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Learn more information about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA)
Federal Technical Capability Program
The Federal Technical Capability Panel (FTCP) is responsible for overseeing the overall implementation of the Federal Technical Capability Program. Headquarters and field elements are responsible for implementing specific activities within the program. Some activities addressing technical capability functions apply complex-wide; for example, the Department's Policies, Orders, and Standards, which promulgate requirements and guidelines for the administration of technical training. Other mechanisms vary from site to site or between program offices.
Learn more information about the Federal Technical Capability Program (FTCP)
Former Worker Medical Screening Program
The Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP) offers ongoing medical screening examinations, at no cost, to all former DOE Federal, contractor, and subcontractor workers who may be at risk for occupational diseases. The FWP is supported by DOE's corporate health and safety program within the Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) and reflects our commitment to the health and safety of all DOE workers - past and present - who have served the Nation in its National security and other missions.
The FWP was established following the issuance of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (PL 102-484), which called for DOE to assist workers with determining whether they had health issues related to their prior work with DOE. The medical screening efforts were initiated in 1996.
The FWP uses independent occupational health experts from universities, labor unions, and commercial organizations to administer the medical screening program. To ensure objective and credible medical examinations, the exams are offered by third-party providers. Screenings are provided at clinics in communities near DOE sites, as well as through a large network of health clinics nationwide to allow for services to be provided in close proximity to most workers' residences. In fact, this vast network of clinics has allowed the FWP to provide participant exams in all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
Learn more information about the Former Worker Medical Screening Program (FWP)
Health Studies and Activities
As with any workplace, DOE has a variety of hazards, some more unique than others. These hazards and their associated outcomes have the potential to impact both the health of individuals – workers and surrounding communities – as well as DOE operations. The Atomic Energy Act of 1957 — Section 8(a) requires research and development activities to be conducted to support adequate health protection during mission operations.
Learn more information about the Health Studies and Activities
Voluntary Protection Program
The Department of Energy Voluntary Protection Program (DOE-VPP) promotes safety and health excellence through cooperative efforts among labor, management, and government at the Department of Energy (DOE) contractor sites. DOE has also formed partnerships with other Federal agencies and the private sector for both advancing and sharing its Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) experiences and preparing for program challenges in the next century. The safety and health of contractor and federal employees are a high priority for the Department.
Learn more information about the Voluntary Protection Program
Worker Safety and Health Policy
The Office of Worker Safety and Health Policy (EHSS-11) supports the DOE mission by:
- Coordinating the development of comprehensive rules, directives, and guidance to establish clear departmental expectations for worker safety and health.
- Proactively identifying and assessing challenges and gaps in worker safety and health standards to improve policies.
- Providing knowledge and support to assist regulated communities in the implementation of worker safety and health requirements.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to recognize available tools, develop innovative solutions, and create resources that enhance worker safety and health programs across DOE.
Learn more information about the Worker Safety and Health Policy