Fireworks are fun, but they are also dangerous—even deadly—if not used safely. Our Safety Training Tips editor urges you to dedicate some training time to make sure employees know the dangers of fireworks before the July 4 holiday.
Begin by letting employees know that July is National Fireworks Safety Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fireworks can:
- Injure hands, the head, eyes, face, and ears
- Cause burns, including third degree burns and permanent scarring
- Cause blindness
- Start life-threatening residential and motor vehicle fires
According to the CDC, “The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.”
Nevertheless, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recognizes that fireworks are about as American as apple pie, and indeed, the CPSC notes that only five states ban all use of fireworks by consumers. So train your employees to follow these CPSC safety tips:
- Don’t make homemade fireworks.
- Use only fireworks that are permitted in your area. Check the CPSC’s website (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/012.html) for a list of states and which fireworks they permit and prohibit.
- Obey local laws.
- Follow fireworks storage instructions, including keeping them in a dry, cool place.
- Don’t allow young children to play with any fireworks, including sparklers.
- Only allow older children to use fireworks under adult supervision.
- Light fireworks outside in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves, grass, and other flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water on hand in case of emergency.
- Pour water over malfunctioning fireworks. Don’t try to make them work; soak them and throw them out.
- Get everyone out of range before lighting fireworks. Also keep unused fireworks out of the firing area.
- Never have any body part over a firework when lighting.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Why It Matters…
- In one recent year, there were over 10,000 fireworks injuries in the U.S.
- Fully 60 percent of fireworks injuries occur around the July 4 holiday.
- Approximately 45 percent of the injuries around July 4 occur to children 14 years old and younger.
- In one recent year, fireworks caused $21 million in property damage.
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Our Safety Training Tips editor says that in order for your safety training to be effective, you need to have clear communication with trainees.
If your organization has cut—or is thinking of cutting—its training budget during these hard economic times, tell the top brass to think again. Experts say that’s probably the worst move they could make.