The department of labor and industries upon the request of the secretary of defense of the United States or the secretary of the United States department of energy, may in its discretion approve special insuring agreements providing industrial insurance coverage for workers engaged in the performance of work, either directly or indirectly, for the United States, regarding projects and contracts at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. The agreements need not conform to the requirements specified in the industrial insurance law of this state if the department finds that the application of the plan will effectively aid the national interest. The department may also approve or direct changes or modifications of the agreements as it deems necessary.
An agreement entered into under this section remains in full force and effect for as long as the department deems it necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section.