BOP Program Statement 1601.07 § 1

 To establish procedures for the Federal Bureau of Prison’s (Bureau) Workers’ Compensation

Program and ensure compliance by all staff with the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act

(FECA), 5 U.S.C. § 8101 et seq.

 To provide limited light duty (LLD) assignments to Bureau staff who have incurred job-related injuries or illnesses that temporarily prevent them from performing their assigned

duties.

FECA provides compensation benefits to United States civilian staff for disability due to

personal injury or disease sustained while in the performance of official duty. It also provides for

the payment of benefits to dependents if a work-related injury or disease causes a staff member’s

death. As provided for by federal regulations and statutes, injured/ill workers will be assisted in

returning to work, consistent with their medical condition.

The Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP),

administers the FECA. OWCP reviews all medical and factual information presented on behalf

of an injured worker (IW) for adjudication of the claim. The Bureau, as an “employing agency”

under the FECA, has the authority to carry out the functions of the employer under the FECA.

1601.07 5/7/2026 Federal Regulations from 28 CFR: this type. Implementing instructions: this type. 1

A list and description of the forms relating to the Workers’ Compensation Program may be found

in 20 CFR 10.7 and may be accessed through the DOL FECA website. A limited list of forms and

their descriptions can be found in Attachment A, Commonly Used DOL Forms.

a. Program Objectives.

 Claims will be promptly filed, reviewed, and processed in accordance with the FECA.

 The length of staff absence from the job because of worker’s compensation claims will be

reduced by providing LLD assignments to return injured/ill staff to duty in a manner

consistent with their prescribed medical condition/limitations.

b. Institution Supplement. None. Should local facilities believe changes to the national policy

are necessary; or believe additional local procedures are required, the local facility

should submit a written proposal that includes a clear objective, the rationale, and the potential

impact of the changes to the national policy to the Centralized Workers’ Compensation Unit

(CWCU). The proposed changes should align with the Bureau’s overall goals and clearly explain

the benefits and potential risks of the changes. CWCU will assess and determine the need for

changes to national policy or local procedures. If local procedures are deemed necessary, CWCU

will be the final approving authority for the local procedures.