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Now, “accidental” filmmaker Tony West hopes to educate the public with his film “The Safe Side of the Fence” about the dangerous effects of nuclear waste. West said that his main goal is to reach workers and their families who may qualify for compensation from work-related illnesses as a result of handling nuclear waste. The film will be screened at the UA Amarillo Star Stadium 14 at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
“A lot have fallen through the cracks and are not being compensated,” West said of those who have not yet benefited from the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
“I met three workers (two of whom appear in the film) in St. Louis. They were in their late 60s and early 70s; all had cancer and all worked in the same plant.”
West said one was receiving compensation and two were not. After learning more of their stories, he decided to investigate.
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“The Safe Side of the Fence” also delves into the history of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, a Government program that was set up to compensate nuclear weapons workers who became Ill from their work.
The program has paid out over $14 billion total in compensation, including more than $200 million to workers from the Pantex Plant.
The film also looks at America’s nuclear legacy from the start of the Manhattan Project to the nuclear industry of today.
West said the workers he has interviewed are patriotic and still feel loyal to the cause.
Read more at ‘Accidental’ filmmaker brings documentary about nuclear waste to Amarillo theater
