Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Department of the Army Civilian assigned to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tennessee, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 11 May 2026 at 0820 local. The employee was operating a forklift outside with a pallet of recyclables when it tipped over off the sidewalk, pinning him underneath. While there were no direct witnesses to the mishap, a Navy service member driving by noticed the overturned forklift, stopped to help and called 911. Two additional personnel arrived and also attempted to assist. Emergency medical services responded, removed the employee from under the forklift and transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The USACRC is leading the mishap investigation.

Since FY21, the Army has lost an average of one Department of the Army Civilian a year to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This was the second on-duty Industrial/Occupational fatality of FY26 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

If a forklift begins to tip off a sidewalk or edge, the operator has approximately two seconds to react. Attempting to jump clear is the leading cause of fatalities.

• Stay Inside: Never jump. The overhead guard/Rollover Protection System is designed to protect you if you stay within the cab.
• Grip the Wheel: Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands to keep your body centered.
• Brace Your Feet: Press your feet firmly against the floorboards to stabilize your torso.
• Lean Away: Lean your body in the opposite direction of the tip.

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A 31-year-old Specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, Clay Kaserne, Germany, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 2 July 2025 in Senftenberg, Germany, at 2330 local. The Soldier received a severe electrical shock during a rail escort mission when he contacted overhead power lines while on top of an M2A1 vehicle secured to a rail car. He sustained second- and third-degree burns and was transported to a hospital in Berlin, where he died from his injuries six days later. Additional information is currently available.

Since FY20, the Army has lost two Soldiers to Industrial/Occupational mishaps. This mishap was the first Industrial/Occupational Soldier fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. 

Safety Tips

• Consider potential electrical hazards: Before any activity near power lines, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Assume power lines are energized: Always treat all power lines as if they are live and dangerous, regardless of whether you believe they are insulated.
• Maintain a safe distance in accordance with Technical Manual (TM) 4-14.21, Table 6-1: When performing work near electrical power lines, including loading and unloading operations, the required clearance shown below will be maintained between personnel, their tools and equipment, and the nearest power line.

1. Operating Voltage: 0 – 5,000 requires a minimum distance of 4 feet
2. Operating Voltage: 5,000 – 15,500 requires a minimum distance of 6 feet
3. Operating Voltage: 15,500 – 25,000 requires a minimum distance of 7.5 feet
4. Operating Voltage: 25,000 – 35,000 requires a minimum distance of 9 feet
5. Operating Voltage: 35,000 – 50,000 requires a minimum distance of 12 feet
6. Note: For voltages over 50,000 volts, add one-half inch for each 1,000 volts.

• When unable to maintain the required clearance distance near power lines: Leadership and safety professionals must notify the installation power or controlling authority and have them turn off the power supply for the affected area. Do not start any work until authorized by the installation power or the controlling authority. Do not turn the power back on until authorized by a supervisor.
• When unable to maintain the required distance near signal lines: If performing work near a 2,400-volt or greater signal line that does not permit the clearance outlined, leadership and safety professionals must notify the signalman to switch the power off on that portion of the line. Do not start work until the signalman says that the power has been switched off. Make sure the signalman understands not to switch power on again until advised by the supervisor in charge of the work. If the power is switched off, equipment will be kept at least one-half the clearance distance indicated, but in no case may the clearance be less than 4 feet.
• Look up and be aware: Before you start climbing or working, always scan the area and identify the location of all overhead power lines. Be especially cautious around trees, as branches can obscure power lines.
• Have a spotter and maintain clear communication: When working at heights or near power lines, a spotter can help maintain a safe distance and communicate any potential hazards.
• Train all railhead personnel: Ensure everyone working on or around the railhead operation site is properly trained on hazards, including electrical hazards, and safe work practices.
• Oversight: Railhead safety officers and safety noncommissioned officers must exercise overall supervision and management of rail operations, including training and safety responsibilities in accordance with Army Regulation 56-3.

 

 

A Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian employee assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap 6 June 2025 on the installation at 1300 local. The employee was operating a utility vehicle that overturned on a trail from Russell Landing Marina to Northwest Adventure Center. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of one DOD Civilian employee a year. This was the first DOD Civilian employee fatality of FY25.

Safety Tips

When operating utility vehicles:

• Inspect the vehicle daily for any fuel/oil leaks, warning decal damage, lighting issues and properly inflated tires. Check for missing parts and proper load security and ensure safety guards/shields are in place.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves and high-visibility clothing, and always wear your seat belt.
• Familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls.
• Check your surroundings for any obstacles or hazards.
• Drive at a safe speed, following speed limits. Avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Turn on level ground when possible, reducing speed and turning slowly on rough terrain.
• On rough terrain, use existing trails and avoid obstacles. Travel straight up or down slopes and avoid driving perpendicular to them.
• Reduce speed on rough terrain and avoid sudden movements to prevent rollovers. When descending slopes, brake frequently and do not "freewheel."
• Stay aware of your surroundings, including other workers and obstacles, using mirrors and cameras. Avoid distractions, such as cellphone use.

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A Private First Class assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in an on-duty sports, recreation, and physical training mishap occurring 22 April 2022, on the installation. The Soldier was conducting a lap swim as part of pool duty certification when he submerged and did not resurface. Class lifeguards pulled the Soldier from underwater and identified a bleeding head injury and no detectable heartbeat. A lifeguard administered CPR until emergency medical services personnel arrived. The Soldier was transported to the local hospital, where he was treated for cardiac arrest and drowning. He was subsequently medically evacuated to a hospital in Savannah, where he was placed on life support. The Soldier was removed from life support three days later following organ donation.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to on-duty sports, recreation, and physical training mishaps. This tragedy was the second on-duty sports, recreation, and physical training mishap of FY22.


Safety is the first concern when training Soldiers in and around water. The following factors are important:

·Know the swimming ability level of each Soldier.
·Monitor Soldiers for overexertion and fatigue.
·Encourage Soldiers to communicate symptoms of overexertion and fatigue.
·Ensure instructors/lifeguards are properly trained and certified.
·Make sure appropriate safety equipment is serviceable and on-site.
·Use the buddy system. (Pair a strong swimmer with a weaker one)
·Have safety and emergency action plans in place and verify all participants understand them.

 

A 23-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a GMV mishap 28 April 2022 on the installation at 1154 local. The Soldier was ejected from a HMMWV that overturned. Three other Soldiers were also ejected and evacuated to a higher-level medical center. Their injuries are currently unknown. Initial reports indicate that the Soldiers were not wearing their seat belts. The mishap is under investigation by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center.

Since 2017, the Army has experienced an average of 10 GMV fatalities per year. This was the fourth GMV fatality of FY22 and above the number of GMV fatalities during the same time period last year.


Wearing seat belts and following the posted speed limits not only apply off-duty but must also be enforced while on-duty. Safety while training is always a priority and requires leader involvement:

•Conduct reconnaissance of the route and terrain prior to a convoy. Ensure identified hazards (water crossings, bridges, complex terrain, etc.) are addressed with appropriate controls in the DRAW.
•Conduct mission-specific crew rehearsals.
•Ensure proper pre-combat checks and inspections are conducted.
•Ensure PMCS is conducted on equipment to include inspection and serviceability of restraint systems.
•Establish load plans for equipment and gear and verify equipment is loaded evenly for weight distribution.
•Ensure drivers are properly trained and licensed in accordance with Army Regulation 600-55, and pair individuals with limited driving experience with more experienced drivers.
•Follow and adhere to all posted speed limits and traffic caution signs. Include speed controls while corning or approaching a downslope in convoy briefs.
•Leadership oversight/enforcement is a must to ensure everyone knows and adheres to the standards.