MnDOT Issues First-Ever ‘Stand Down’ After 2 Recent Construction Deaths

Two recent construction zone deaths on Minnesota roads caused the Department of Transporation to issue its first-ever stand down in recognition of the two lives lost on the job.

This meant all MnDOT workers paused work in construction zones across the state, including Duluth.

MnDOT said the pause was not only to honor the contractors who died last week on Minnesota roads, but also allow time for staff to discuss, listen and share personal experiences with each other to help MnDOT to make sure workers are as safe as possible while on the job.
In a statement a commissioner with the department of labor and industry said…

“Tragic incidents like this are a sobering reminder that contact with objects or equipment remains the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Minnesota. On average, eight workers lose their lives each year due to these types of incidents,” according to a statement from the Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry.

MnDOT also reminds motorists to do their part to keep workers safe by obeying posted speed limit or face a $300 ticket, keep the phone down and move over to give workers as much room as possible.