The Division of Industrial Accidents administers the Commonwealth's workers' compensation system. The Division ensures that medical treatment to injured workers is provided in a timely manner, while balancing the needs of employers to contain workers' compensation insurance costs.

As a result of the Workers' Compensation Reform Act, which was signed in 1991, businesses received the first reduction of insurance premiums since 1972. As a result of this Act, new Workers' Compensation claims have decreased from 40,000 in Calendar Year 1991, to 21,000 in Calendar Year 1997. This decrease is a direct result of strict anti-fraud provisions and increased enforcement.

Budget Recommendations

The amount recommended for Fiscal Year 1999 will enable the Division to provide the same level of services as in Fiscal Year 1998. Funding for the Commissioner's Office and for the salaries of justices (7002-0501 and 7002-0502) will be transferred to the Division's administrative line-item (7002-0500). This consolidation will provide the Division with a more flexible funding structure and enable it to improve the management of its resources.

Budgetary Direct Appropriations

DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
7002-0500	For the operation of the division of industrial accidents; provided, that the General Fund shall be reimbursed the amount appropriated herein and for associated indirect and direct fringe benefit costs from assessments levied pursuant to section 65 of chapter 152 of the General Laws	17,768,412

Trust and Other Spending

9440-0202

MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT SPECIAL FUND

22,000,000

9440-0204

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT FUND

43,000,000

9440-0208

IMPARTIAL MEDICAL EXAMINATION

1,600,000

9440-0290

WORKERS` COMPENSATION TRUST FUND

3,000,000