Worker's Compensation Is Owed to Deserving American Indian Miners American Indians have spent decades working in Colorado Plateau mines. Soft, yellow uranium ore was drilled from the rock by the miners. The uranium that was mined was used to create nuclear warheads for the United States during the Cold War, a key factor in its victory. Read this site if you want
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The downside is how many of these miners have become casualties of that same Cold War. Because of the radiation present within the mines, many have either been killed, or are afflicted by cancer and similar illnesses. Many more continue to fight for their lives even as their family members and friends have already died from work related illnesses.
The arms of these miners are webbed with scars caused by dialysis. For those that are suffering from kidney failure, this treatment is a necessity. Most workers blame the drinking water in the mines which has been scientifically proven to contain traces of radioactive minerals.
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act was passed by congress in 1990. This law was intended to help uranium miners and those who suffer as a result of mining work. A vital aspect to remember is that America's nuclear weapons program was the sole purpose for this mining being conducted. To get a closer look on
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Each of the underground uranium miners were provided $100,000 by the law. Their exposure has made them victim to one of six lung diseases that directly results from radiation. While hundreds of miners have met all of the preconditions necessary to begin receiving payments, most have yet to see a single dime.
Practically impossible impediments are set up for the Indian miners to navigate. The first step is the most difficult and requires them to fill out paperwork written in English. However, many of the Indian miners are illiterate in English and find the forms confusing.
Only 96 miners have been approved for compensation out of the 242 that have applied through the Office of Navajo Uranium Workers. Overall, the Justice Department has approved 1,314 claims from former uranium miners. But that's only half the story - 1,316 claims have been rejected.
Workers need to prove to the government the amount of time worked in the uranium mines by providing check stubs, records or other documentation as part of the application process. Workers who spend time mining, decades ago, do not usually keep stubs from their paychecks. Copies of such records are difficult to obtain.
In 1947, the first uranium mines opened near the Navajo Indian Reservation. Jobs were needed in the area, so the mines were welcomed by the community. Despite the fact that the wages were low and conditions were poor, many were happy to just have a job.
For the miners, one of the greatest dangers was radon. Decaying uranium produces this odor and color free radioactive gas. Most of the lung ailments which make miners eligible for compensation are thought to be caused by exposure to radon.
In order to facilitate the process of receiving compensation for their injuries, past miners and tribal leaders plan to petition Congress for modification of the bill in the fall. One problem facing the government is the common idea among Navajo miners that they will receive compensation based only on their work.