St. Paul, Minnesota, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has initiated a safety stand down lasting 15 to 20 minutes to honor two construction workers who tragically lost their lives in recent accidents. This pause underscores MnDOT’s commitment to worker safety and aims to reinforce the importance of vigilance on job sites amidst growing concerns over construction-related fatalities. The incidents involved workers struck by vehicles while in closed work zones, highlighting the dangers inherent in construction work. Efforts are underway to enhance safety protocols and create a safer working environment for all.
St. Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has paused all roadwork for 15 to 20 minutes on September 29, 2023, in recognition of two construction workers who tragically lost their lives in recent accidents. This unprecedented “safety stand down” was arranged to honor 29-year-old Pierre Mack, who died in an incident on September 24, and 25-year-old Adam Smith, who was killed just a day later on September 25.
The decision to halt work illustrates MnDOT’s commitment to prioritizing safety in the construction sector. MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger stated that the safety of workers is the top priority for the agency. During the brief pause, supervisors were able to review safety protocols with their teams to reinforce the importance of vigilance on job sites.
The accidents that prompted this safety pause occurred within closed work zones that were not impacted by passing traffic, as confirmed by the Minnesota State Patrol. Mack was reportedly struck by a construction vehicle equipped with a boom attachment while working on I-35W in Burnsville, while Smith was hit by a dump truck on Highway 610 in Maple Grove. Both incidents point to the dangers inherent in construction work, which industry leaders say are all too common.
In recent years, contact with construction equipment has emerged as a leading cause of workplace fatalities in Minnesota, with an average of eight deaths occurring annually due to such causes. In a bid to enhance work zone safety, Nicole Blissenbach, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, stressed the need for heightened awareness and protocols to protect workers.
In addition to outlining the scope of the recent fatalities, Dan McConnell, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, emphasized the necessity for renewed vigilance among workers and stakeholders involved in highway construction. The integrity of work zones heavily relies on the attentiveness of those managing them and those passing through them.
MnDOT and the State Patrol are actively encouraging drivers to remain focused, abide by speed limits, avoid distractions, and ensure adequate space for construction workers when navigating through work zones. Colonel Christina Bogojevic of the State Patrol highlighted that work zones represent active job sites and warrant increased caution from motorists.
In reaction to the recent fatalities, both MnDOT and the State Patrol will be revising their practices to enhance safety measures for their workforce. This effort underscores a broader motive to improve the safety culture within construction environments, recognizing the essential roles that workers fulfill and the sacrifices they make.
The safety stand down is a stark reminder of the potential hazards faced by construction workers and the collective responsibility to ensure their safety. The Minnesota Department of Transportation remains committed to fostering a safer working environment and improving operational protocols following these incidents.
FAQs
What is a safety stand down?
A safety stand down is a temporary pause in work activities to focus on safety education and reinforcement of safety protocols among workers.
Why did MnDOT pause all roadwork on September 29, 2023?
MnDOT paused roadwork to honor two construction workers, Pierre Mack and Adam Smith, who were killed in separate construction-related accidents.
What were the circumstances of the fatalities?
Both workers were involved in accidents while working in closed work zones that were not affected by passing traffic. Mack was struck by a construction vehicle, while Smith was hit by a dump truck.
What steps are being taken for worker safety in Minnesota?
MnDOT and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry are revising safety protocols and highlighting the need for heightened awareness to prevent future accidents.
What can drivers do to help ensure the safety of construction workers?
Drivers are urged to remain alert, obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and provide ample space for construction workers while passing through work zones.
Key Features of the Safety Stand Down
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | September 29, 2023 |
| Duration | 15-20 minutes |
| Reason | To honor Pierre Mack and Adam Smith, who died in construction accidents. |
| Location of Incidents | I-35W in Burnsville and Highway 610 in Maple Grove |
| Key Emphasis | Worker safety and revision of safety protocols. |
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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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