MnDOT Observes Safety Stand Down After Construction Fatalities

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — All Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) employees paused work Monday to reflect on the recent deaths of two contractors and recommit to safety standards across the agency. The mandatory safety stand down was directed by MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger and applies to both field and office staff.

“The safety stand down provides a moment for our organization to mourn, honor lives lost, and recommit to ensuring that everyone on the job returns home safely,” MnDOT said in a statement.

Recent Fatalities

Last week, two workers lost their lives in separate construction zone accidents.

• Pierre Mack, 29, was struck by a boom truck Wednesday on Interstate 35W in Burnsville.
• The following day, Adam Smith, 25, died in a dump truck accident while working in Maple Grove.

“These incidents are heartbreaking reminders of the dangers our workforce faces daily,” Commissioner Daubenberger said.

Union Perspective

Leaders from the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Minnesota and North Dakota emphasized the importance of safety awareness for both workers and the public.

“It’s just a hurry to get to one thing, a rush to get to the next thing, but you’re really just taking minutes out of your day for the safety of the workers behind there,” said Joel Smith, president and business manager of LIUNA. “They’re already working long hours. They’re in the elements, a lot of time on weekends, making those sacrifices, to improve the roads for every Minnesotan.”

The union is also providing mental health resources for members affected by the tragedies.

Agency Guidance

The safety stand down is being conducted at varying times depending on staff shifts and ongoing workflows. MnDOT is urging drivers to take precautions around construction zones to prevent further incidents:

• Obey posted speed limits
• Avoid distractions while driving
• Move over for workers
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes

“Safety is a shared responsibility,” MnDOT said. “Both our employees and the public play a role in keeping construction zones safe.”

Broader Context

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in Minnesota and nationwide, with risks amplified in high-traffic work zones. MnDOT’s stand down is part of ongoing efforts to enhance workplace safety, reinforce protocols, and foster a culture of vigilance. Officials stress that safety is not just a policy but a daily practice, requiring constant attention and respect from workers, supervisors, and motorists alike.

Originally reported by Beret Leone in CBS News.