News Brief

Review critical of workplace safety policy after shooting

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — An inspection has found the Vermont child welfare agency’s workplace safety policy didn’t have comprehensive measures to protect employees when a social worker was shot dead outside her state office building last August.

The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration completed the review of the Department for Children and Families on Feb. 5. A letter with the findings obtained by The Associated Press has been given to the commissioners of the child welfare agency and the Department of Buildings and General Services.

The safety administration says the child welfare agency’s policy wasn’t fully developed when social worker Lara Sobel was killed. It recommends better record keeping of safety threats.

A Barre (BAYR’-ree) woman whose child was taken into state custody has pleaded not guilty in Sobel’s killing.

The child welfare agency says it will continue working to improve employee security.

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