The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on February 8, 2021. The legislation, endorsed by U.S. transportation labor unions, would address workplace safety for essential transportation workers.
The Essential Transportation Employee Safety Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Transportation Trades Department–AFL-CIO (TTD). The legislation would provide priority access to PPE and coronavirus testing for essential transportation workers, including those working on airplanes, trains, and other forms of state and local public transportation.
Safety for these essential workers would be ensured through requirements that employers implement critical health and safety measures, including disinfection and sanitization of equipment and facilities used by transportation workers. The bill summary can be found here. The full text of the legislation can be found here.
How to File a Claim for COVID-19
Our suggestion to those that are diagnosed with COVID-19, and believe that they were exposed to the Coronavirus on the job, especially as a healthcare worker or first responder, is to file a claim with the Department of Labor and Industries. A claim can be:
- Filed online
- By phone: 1-877-561-FILE (3453)
- At your doctor’s office (if you complete the Report of Accident at your doctor’s office, the doctor files the form for you)
You can watch a DLI video that describes the process for filing a claim if you need more information about the process.
What to Do if Your Claim is Denied
As with any claim decision, the Department of Labor and Industries will issue an Order and Notice stating that your claim was denied. You have sixty (60) days within which to file a written protest or appeal if you disagree with the decision. A protest can be faxed, mailed or submitted to the Department online. If no protest or appeal is filed within 60 days from the date you received the order, the decision becomes final and binding on all parties.
If you have questions or if your claim should be denied, please feel free to contact our firm for assistance. We offer a free case analysis, and would be happy to discuss the circumstances you are facing with you.