Washington Lawmakers Propose Workers’ Comp Presumption For Nuclear Plant Workers

A bill that would provide a workers compensation benefits for cancer and other illnesses suffered by workers at a decommissioned nuclear site in Washington state could spur other states with antiquated and toxic nuclear sites to consider similar legislation, according to experts. Lawmakers in Washington state are slated to hear public comments on House Bill 1723 on Thursday, which was introduced in late January by state Rep. Larry Haler, R-Richland. Rep. Haler worked for 40 years at the decommissioned Hanford nuclear site in Hanford, Washington.