A Department of the Army Civilian assigned to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tennessee, died in an Industrial/Occupational mishap at 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.