Colburn Law

Occupational Hazards Prevalent At Work Sites

Every construction site harbors potential dangers. From towering scaffolds to powerful machinery, workers are at risk of being involved in a serious accident that can impact their ability to work and support their families.

If you are a construction worker in Washington, it is important to be aware of these risks and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your fellow employees. And if you are injured on the job, you have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim to help pay for your medical care, lost wages, and more.

If you are injured at a construction site due to an occupational hazard, call a work injury attorney in Seattle today to get financial compensation at (206) 919-3215.

Why Colburn Law is the Choice for Washington Workers’ Comp Cases

• Greg Colburn is a seasoned advocate for injured workers, using his skills to help you get the benefits you deserve.
• We value open communication and ensure you’re informed and supported throughout the process.
• Our firm operates on contingency, so you can focus on recovery without worrying about legal costs unless we win.

Slip and Trip Hazards

Construction sites often feature uneven surfaces, scattered materials, and temporary walkways that create dangerous conditions ripe for a slip or trip. Exposed cables, tools, debris, and weather-related hazards like ice or mud increase the risk of these serious falls. These accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation — a Seattle slip and fall lawyer can fight for justice in cases like these.

Unstable Structures

Structural failures can occur without warning, leading to catastrophic collapses that trap or crush workers. Partially completed buildings, temporary supports, and aging infrastructure pose serious risks, as do unsecured ladders and scaffolding.

Toxic Exposure

Construction workers frequently encounter hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, silica dust, and chemical solvents. To prevent exposure, employees are usually required to wear respirators, goggles, and other safety equipment.

Unfortunately, not every job site handles these materials safely or responsibly. Extended exposure to toxic substances can cause severe respiratory problems, skin conditions, and even long-term illnesses like cancer.

Heavy Machinery and Tools

Construction workers often encounter cranes, excavators, bulldozers, and many other pieces of heavy equipment on job sites. They also work with tools that can become dangerous when they are not handled properly. A single moment of distraction or equipment malfunction can result in devastating injuries like crushed limbs, amputations, or electrocution.

Inadequate Fall Protection

Working at heights without proper equipment or safeguards can lead to some of the most serious—and often fatal—construction injuries. Missing guardrails, unsecured scaffolding, and improperly installed safety harnesses can result in unexpected falls.

Excessive Noise

Prolonged exposure to construction equipment, power tools, and heavy machinery can cause permanent hearing loss. While workers are required to use hearing protection, many develop occupational hearing loss over time, even with the right equipment. In some cases, earplugs and earmuffs fail to work as intended.

Trench Collapses

Excavation work creates some of the most dangerous conditions on construction sites. Unstable soil conditions and improper digging techniques can lead to sudden trench collapses that bury workers alive. These accidents are often fatal.

Contact a Washington Construction Injury Lawyer Today

If you were injured while working on a construction site or lost a loved one due to an on-the-job hazard, you deserve justice and compensation for the harm you experienced. The path forward may seem daunting, but there are multiple options for recovery available to you, depending on the cause of the accident.

For example, you can file a workers’ compensation claim if you were hurt while performing your job duties, regardless of fault. If a third party’s actions caused your accident, such as a subcontractor or manufacturer of defective equipment, you could pursue a lawsuit against them.

Colburn Law can help you sort through these options and find your optimal path forward. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys provide free consultations.

Contact us today at (206) 919-3215.