Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragedy Strikes as Elderly Black Woman Becomes the Fifth FedEx Worker to Die on the Job

An elderly Black woman tragically lost her life in a freak accident at the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee two weeks ago. The victim, identified as Verna Mae Jackson, 86, was working as a package handler at the facility. This incident marks the fifth death following an injury at the job, raising concerns about safety measures and training protocols.

The Daily Memphian reports that the incident occurred when a tug driver was pulling a load of mail without using his horn to signal his movement. Unaware of the approaching vehicle, Jackson hurried behind to retrieve a loose envelope that was sticking out of a container. Within seconds, she was crushed by the tug driver’s load.

The recent tragic incident has raised questions about the presence of elderly workers in such a seemingly dangerous environment. Attorney Jeff Rosenblum, who has represented the families of multiple victims of Hub-related deaths, emphasized that age was not the primary factor in Jackson’s death. Instead, he argued that the heightened activity during the holiday season promotes a culture that prioritizes packages over people. Additionally, Rosenblum criticized the lack of training provided to temporary workers and the failure to update facility equipment, which further exacerbates safety concerns.

FedEx has faced previous penalties for safety violations at the Memphis hub, with fines of up to $50,000. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) had identified a series of violations that FedEx supposedly agreed to address. It remains unclear whether TOSHA will launch a new investigation in light of Jackson’s tragic death.

In response to the incident, FedEx expressed its condolences to the victim’s family and friends and stated that safety is their highest priority. They have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

It is essential for companies like FedEx to prioritize employee safety and ensure proper training and equipment maintenance. The loss of a dedicated worker like Verna Mae Jackson highlights the need for improved safety protocols and a renewed commitment to valuing the well-being of employees over the efficiency of package delivery.

Sources:

• The Root – Click here to read the full article
• The Daily Memphian – Source

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