What Occupations are Covered Under the Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act (DBA) covers injured civilian workers who perform overseas duties for the United States military. The DBA is essentially workers’ compensation for this specific class of employees.

In a broad sense, the Defense Base Act covers any civilian contractor who works for the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, on a base that is outside of the country (including U.S. territories).

Covered groups of workers include:

• Employees of private companies on military bases
• Contractors assisting with public work contracts
• Those working on jobs created under the Foreign Assistance Act
• United Service Organizations (USO), American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army workers

Some specific roles that are qualified for coverage under the Defense Base Act include:

• Translators and other communication professionals
• Security guards
• Engineers
• Medical staff
• Drivers
• Construction workers

This list is just a sampling of the types of employees who can file for DBA benefits if they are injured on the job. Most workers who participate in overseas contracted work or service projects are entitled to the benefits defined in the Defense Base Act.