diff --git a/code/modules/jobs/job_types/job.dm b/code/modules/jobs/job_types/job.dm
index 5935313ac53..43c70482613 100644
--- a/code/modules/jobs/job_types/job.dm
+++ b/code/modules/jobs/job_types/job.dm
@@ -156,7 +156,9 @@
 		else
 			back = backpack //Department backpack
 
-	if(backpack_contents && box)
+	if(box)
+		if(!backpack_contents)
+			backpack_contents = list()
 		backpack_contents.Insert(1, box) // Box always takes a first slot in backpack
 		backpack_contents[box] = 1