Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act: Transmission of Documents and Information

Parties to claims arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions (LHWCA or Act) and entities required to have insurance pursuant to the Act frequently correspond with the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) and each other. The current regulations require that some of these communications be made in paper form via a specific delivery mechanism such as certified mail, U.S. mail or hand delivery. As technologies improve, other means of communication--including electronic methods-- may be more efficient and cost-effective. Accordingly, this proposed rule would broaden the acceptable methods by which claimants, employers, and insurers can communicate with OWCP and each other.