diff --git a/PROMS/Volian.Controls.Library/EditItem.cs b/PROMS/Volian.Controls.Library/EditItem.cs
index 61ecd83e..92abf348 100644
--- a/PROMS/Volian.Controls.Library/EditItem.cs
+++ b/PROMS/Volian.Controls.Library/EditItem.cs
@@ -1905,7 +1905,8 @@ namespace Volian.Controls.Library
 		}
 			protected void ToggleContinuousActionSummary()
 		{
-			MyStepPropertiesPanel.ToggleContActSummary(); // update the checkbox on the Step Properties panel
+			if (MyStepPropertiesPanel != null) // bug fix B2016-256 check for a null reference incase we are not on a step element
+				MyStepPropertiesPanel.ToggleContActSummary(); // update the checkbox on the Step Properties panel
 			if (!MyStepRTB.ContainsFocus)
 				MyStepRTB.Focus();
 		}