Voices of Hanford Workers Exposed to Chemical Vapors: Interactions with Workplace,Safety,Health Care and Compensation Systems

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we sought to understand the experiences of Hanford nuclear workers who navigated health care and compensation systems after exposure to chemical vapors. In 2016, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six workers who had experienced chemical vapor exposure. Our grounded theory inductive analysis produced five themes. In light of Washington State's 2018 Hanford Presumption Law, we added a longitudinal component to our investigation. In 2021, we reconnected with original participants to assess whether their experiences navigating systems had changed. Our analysis produced four themes.

Keywords

Hanford workers’ compensation health care nuclear exposure

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