Defense Base Act Coverage for US Government Contractors Working in Japan

OWCP News Release March 24, 2011

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011, various agencies of the United States may utilize the services of private contractors to provide humanitarian and other assistance as part of the global relief effort there. Workers for such private contractors are covered under the Defense Base Act (DBA) (except for certain specified instances where the Department of Labor has granted a waiver). Agency contracting personnel and private contractors should ensure that the proper DBA insurance is in place before workers are deployed overseas.

DoD and DoS contracts have been granted a waiver for non US employees.

Please keep in mind that while you must purchase this insurance it cannot be depended on to provide the stated benefits.  The Department of Labor administrates the program but has no authority over the insurance companies.  Employees may go for many years or forever without medical care and compensation.

As this insurance is normally cost reimbursable to the contract, not an expense to the contract company,  we highly recommend no one go on one of these contracts without supplemental insurance being provided. 

See our Defense Base Act Compensation Blog to read about the battle injured contractors and widows must fight for the most basic benefits as stated in the Act.