The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) is a federal law that provides benefits to workers who are injured while working on the waterfront. The LHWCA is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) within the U.S. Department of Labor.
Who is covered under the LHWCA?
The LHWCA covers most workers who are employed in maritime industries on the waterfront, including:
- Shipbuilders
- Shipbreakers
- Longshoremen
- Dredge men
- Dock men
- Warehousemen
- Terminal operators
- Stevedores
- Tugboat men
- Ferryboat men
How does the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act work?
The LHWCA provides for payment of compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation services to eligible workers who are injured or who contract an occupational disease while working on the waterfront. The LHWCA also provides death benefits to certain survivors of workers who are killed as a result of their employment on the waterfront. In addition, the LHWCA establishes a schedule of benefits that sets forth the amount and duration of benefits payable to injured workers and their dependents.
If you are injured while working on the waterfront, you may be eligible for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) within the U.S. Department of Labor and provides for payment of compensation, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation services to eligible workers who are injured or who contract an occupational disease while working on the waterfront. If you think you may be covered under the LHWCA, contact OWCP to learn more about your rights and benefits.
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