St. Paul, Minnesota, September 30, 2025
News Summary
In a somber gesture, the Minnesota Department of Transportation paused roadwork to commemorate two construction contractors who lost their lives in accidents. This temporary halt, termed a ‘safety stand down,’ lasted 15 to 20 minutes and aimed to remind workers of the inherent dangers they face. The incidents occurred within closed work zones and have raised concerns about safety protocols in the construction industry. MnDOT officials emphasized the need for increased vigilance to protect all personnel involved, highlighting the ongoing risks workers encounter daily.
St. Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) implemented a temporary halt to roadwork on September 29, 2023, to honor two construction contractors who tragically lost their lives in recent accidents. This unique initiative, termed a “safety stand down,” lasted between 15 to 20 minutes, during which supervisors were tasked with reviewing safety protocols with their teams.
The decision to pause work came in response to two fatal incidents that unfolded within days of each other. On September 24, 29-year-old Pierre Mack from St. Paul was fatally struck by a construction vehicle equipped with a boom attachment while performing work on I-35W in Burnsville. The following day, 25-year-old Adam Smith from Seymour, Wisconsin, was killed when a dump truck collided with him on Highway 610 in Maple Grove. Both incidents occurred in closed work zones and were confirmed by the Minnesota State Patrol as not being caused by passing traffic.
Minnesota’s safety standards are under scrutiny following these tragic events. MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger reiterated that safety is of utmost priority for the organization. The pause served as a critical reminder to all in the construction industry about the inherent risks that workers face every day.
The construction sector has consistently been ranked among the most hazardous fields, with industry leaders highlighting the ongoing dangers workers face. Reports indicate that unlawful contact with equipment ranks as a leading cause of fatalities in Minnesota workplaces. Approximately eight deaths occur annually in the state due to such incidents. Nicole Blissenbach, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, touched upon these alarming statistics, emphasizing the pressing need for proactive measures to ensure worker safety.
In light of the recent tragedies, Dan McConnell, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, has called for increased vigilance in work zones to protect the safety of all personnel involved. MnDOT and the State Patrol have also issued reminders for drivers to remain attentive, follow speed limits, refrain from distractions, and maintain safe distances from construction workers as they navigate through active work sites.
Colonel Christina Bogojevic, of the Minnesota State Patrol, stressed that work zones are not merely detours but active job sites that necessitate heightened caution from drivers. The collective aim following these incidents is to refine existing safety practices and protocols to enhance both worker and public safety in construction zones.
The tragic loss of both Mack and Smith shines a spotlight on the struggles faced by the construction industry and its workforce. The pause in work to honor their dedication serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in the field and speaks volumes about the commitment that construction workers have in shaping Minnesota’s infrastructure.
Key Statistics
- Fatal incidents occurred: September 24 and 25, 2023.
- Workers killed: Pierre Mack (29, St. Paul) and Adam Smith (25, Seymour, WI).
- Average annual workplace deaths due to equipment contact in Minnesota: Eight.
- Duration of safety stand down: 15-20 minutes.
Conclusion
The initiative from MnDOT represents a pivotal acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by construction workers. By enhancing awareness around safety protocols and emphasizing the importance of caution within work zones, Minnesota aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure that roadways remain safe for both construction workers and the driving public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did MnDOT pause roadwork on September 29?
MnDOT paused roadwork to honor two contractors who died in separate construction accidents.
What were the circumstances surrounding the fatalities?
The fatalities involved Pierre Mack and Adam Smith, who were killed while working in closed construction zones, struck by vehicles.
How long did the safety stand down last?
The safety stand down lasted between 15 to 20 minutes.
What safety measures are being emphasized in work zones?
MnDOT and State Patrol are urging drivers to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and give construction workers plenty of space.
What is the rate of workplace deaths due to equipment in Minnesota?
Approximately eight deaths occur each year in Minnesota due to equipment-related incidents in construction.
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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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