MnDOT Hosts Urgent Safety Stand-Down Day After Contractor Deaths
UPDATE: In a historic move, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) paused all work on October 30, 2023, to honor two construction workers tragically killed in separate incidents last week. This first-ever statewide safety stand-down day aims to refocus efforts on improving safety in construction zones across the state.
The fatalities involved Pierre Raymon Mack, 29, of St. Paul, who was struck by a construction boom truck on October 25, 2023, at Interstate 35W and Burnsville Parkway. Just a day later, Adam Frederick Smith, 25, from Seymour, Wisconsin, lost his life when a dump truck backed up into him at Minnesota 610 and Maple Grove Parkway.
MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger expressed her deep sorrow over the incidents, stating, “Today, MnDOT staff took an unprecedented step to pause work and honor the lives of these two men. Safety is always our number one priority at MnDOT.” The stand-down day included discussions aimed at enhancing safety protocols and sharing experiences to prevent further tragedies.
“Every crash is more than a statistic — it’s a family changed forever,” said State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic. “We need every driver to slow down, pay attention and treat those areas with extra care.”
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, contact with objects or equipment is the leading cause of workplace fatalities, with an average of eight workers dying annually in such incidents. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach emphasized the importance of proper training and robust safety measures, stating, “These are not just statistics — they are people who didn’t make it home to their loved ones.”
Officials urged drivers to play their part in ensuring worker safety by obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and giving workers ample space in work zones. This includes adhering to posted signs and practicing safe merging techniques.
The tragic loss of Mack and Smith serves as a critical reminder of the dangers faced by workers in construction zones. As MnDOT takes vital steps toward enhancing safety, the call to action is clear: prioritize safety for the sake of every worker and their families.
As concerns grow over workplace safety, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting those who are on the job. The next steps will be closely monitored as MnDOT implements new safety initiatives and collaborates with contractors to ensure that all workers return home safely after each shift.
