Minnesota, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Minnesota Department of Transportation paused roadwork to pay tribute to two construction contractors killed in recent accidents. This first-ever safety stand down emphasized the importance of construction site safety, allowing workers to discuss safety protocols. The initiative comes amidst growing concerns about hazards in the industry, especially following incidents that resulted in fatalities while working in closed zones without passing traffic. The agency aims to improve safety practices to protect both workers and the public.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) halted all roadwork on September 29 to honor the lives of two construction contractors who tragically lost their lives in recent accidents. This safety stand down, a first for the department, was designed to emphasize the importance of safety in the construction industry.
MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger stated that the safety of workers is the agency’s highest priority. The pause in construction lasted for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing supervisors across various work sites to hold discussions with workers about safety protocols. This initiative comes in the wake of two tragic incidents that occurred just days apart.
The first fatal incident took place on September 24, when 29-year-old Pierre Mack from St. Paul was struck by a construction vehicle with a boom attachment while working on I-35W in Burnsville. The following day, 25-year-old Adam Smith from Seymour, Wisconsin, was also killed after a dump truck hit him on Highway 610 in Maple Grove. Both of these accidents occurred within closed work zones and did not involve passing traffic, as reported by the Minnesota State Patrol.
Industry leaders have expressed deep concerns about the ongoing hazards faced by construction workers. They pointed out that both recent accidents reflect a worrying trend in construction safety. Nicole Blissenbach, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, emphasized that equipment contact is a leading cause of workplace fatalities, with approximately eight deaths occurring each year in the state due to similar incidents.
In response to the accidents, Dan McConnell, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, called for enhanced vigilance in work zones to ensure the safety of all personnel. MnDOT and the State Patrol are reminding drivers to remain alert, adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and provide adequate space for construction workers when navigating through work zones.
Colonel Christina Bogojevic of the State Patrol also highlighted the necessity for cautious driving in work zones, labeling these areas as active job sites requiring additional driver attentiveness. The response from MnDOT indicates a determination to improve work zone safety protocols with the aim of safeguarding workers and the public.
This pause in work, while brief, serves as a critical reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers each day and acknowledges the sacrifices they make in providing essential services through infrastructure development. With the commitment to a culture of safety, MnDOT is working toward revising practices and protocols that will enhance the welfare of workers in construction environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did MnDOT pause roadwork on September 29?
MnDOT paused all roadwork to honor two construction contractors who were killed in separate accidents during the previous week.
What were the causes of the fatalities?
The fatalities were due to two separate incidents involving construction vehicles. One worker was struck by a construction vehicle, and the other was hit by a dump truck while working in a closed work zone.
What is the significance of the safety stand down?
The safety stand down is meant to emphasize the importance of safety practices among construction workers and to commemorate those who have lost their lives on the job.
What actions are being taken to enhance construction site safety?
MnDOT is revising safety practices and protocols, encouraging driver vigilance in work zones, and raising awareness of the hazards construction workers face daily.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Dates | September 24 and 25, 2023 |
| Fatalities | Pierre Mack (29) and Adam Smith (25) |
| Reasons for Stand Down | To honor the deceased and emphasize safety |
| Duration of Pause | 15-20 minutes |
| Call to Action | Drive safely in construction zones |
| MnDOT’s Commitment | Revising practices to improve safety |
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Additional Resources
- KSTP: MnDOT Pauses Road Work
- Fox 9: Contractors Killed
- Bring Me The News: Safety Stand Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction Industry
- Fox 21: MnDOT Pauses Work
- Google Search: Construction Site Safety
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