The Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Advisory Council's Annual Report for FY 2024 emphasizes the Department of Industrial Accidents' (DIA) initiatives to modernize the workers' compensation system, including automating the safety grant application process and digitizing insurance records. The report highlights the DIA's commitment to maintaining assessment rate stability and engaging in discussions about medical reimbursement fees. The Council acknowledges the efforts of DIA leadership and staff in supporting injured workers and improving the overall system, while also monitoring various legislative proposals aimed at enhancing fairness in disfigurement benefits and protecting injured workers. The bill further details the operations of the Office of Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation (OEVR), which oversees vocational rehabilitation services to help injured employees return to their pre-injury wages. In FY 2024, OEVR processed 1,572 cases, with 174 deemed suitable for services, leading to 103 work plans completed and 37 workers successfully returning to work. Additionally, the bill establishes a Workers' Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) website to improve communication on workers' compensation issues and outlines the financial aspects of vocational rehabilitation services, including contributions from insurance companies and self-insured entities. The advisory council is composed of both voting and non-voting members to ensure a balanced representation of labor and business interests.