An 86-year-old Black Woman Died at a FedEx Facility… And She Isn’t The First

The employee who died in a freak accident at the FedEx World Hub two weeks ago was identified as an elderly Black woman. As if this discovery isn’t disturbing enough, authorities say she’s the fifth person to die following an injury at the job.

Verna Mae Jackson, 86, was a package handler at the Memphis FedEx facility where larger freights are being shipped to major airports including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, per The Daily Memphian. The report says a tug driver was pulling a load of mail but didn’t use his horn to signal he was moving. Jackson scurried behind to grab a loose envelope that was sticking out of the container and seconds later, she was crushed.

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Now, why was an elderly woman working in this seemingly dangerous environment anyway? Attorney Jeff Rosenblum, who has represented the families of at least 10 victims of Hub-related deaths, says what led to Jackson’s death had little to do with age. Instead, he argued that the increase of activity during holiday season promotes a culture of emphasizing packages over people. He also said a lack of training for temporary workers and the neglect to update facility equipment creates additional safety issues.

“Miss Jackson loved her job. It gave her purpose. She loved her co-workers. She loved the camaraderie. She was supportive of them and they were supportive of her,” Rosenblum said. “I don’t want to take that self-worth away from anybody who has the ability to work. They have the right to make that decision for themselves, and if they think they do, then the employer has the obligation to determine if they do.”

FedEx was previously fined up to $50,000 for the deaths at this particular Hub. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration uncovered a series of violations with the Hub that FedEx allegedly agreed to address, according to the report. It’s unclear if TOSHA launched an additional probe following Ms. Jackson’s death.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who are mourning their loved one. Safety is our highest priority, and we are investigating the circumstances of this accident,” FedEx said in response to the incident.

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