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In Episode 6, the Safety+Health team examines soft skills, including what they are, how they differ from other job-related skills and how they can benefit a safety professional’s career. Also, Linda Martin, a recipient of the National Safety Council’s Marion Martin Award, discusses her work as an educator, earning a doctorate and sharing positivity on social media.

Washington — Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee have issued a report detailing what they call “gaps” in paid sick leave among U.S. workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Silver Spring, MD — Effective contact tracing can be a challenge on construction sites, where supervisors, contractors, workers, vendors and visitors may be onsite at any given time.

Washington — Raising awareness and understanding of workplace safety and health programs. That’s the goal of the fourth annual Safe + Sound Week, set to take place Aug. 10-16.

Richmond, VA — Less than two weeks after Virginia became the first state to approve an emergency temporary standard (16 VAC 25-220) to protect workers from COVID-19, the standard has gone into effect.

In women-dominated industries such as health care, as well as those in which women aren’t well represented, including construction and the trades, female workers are facing unique challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

No matter how they’re defined, soft skills are vital to a safety professional’s career growth and development. “Technical knowledge will only get you so far,” one expert says.

Richmond, VA — Virginia became the first state to approve an emergency temporary standard to protect workers from COVID-19, after the Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board voted July 15 to approve the new rules.

In Episode 5, the Safety+Health editorial team looks at one economist’s research on the impact of OSHA press releases. And safety superstar Abby Ferri talks about teaching during the pandemic, safety and superheroes.

Washington — OSHA has finalized revisions to its beryllium standard for general industry. Announced July 13, the final rule includes changes to five definitions and the addition of one definition – beryllium sensitization.