Americans love our traditions, and that includes Independence Day celebrations complete with fireworks. But we can’t forget that fireworks are explosive and incendiary devices. In other words, they’re small bombs! Nothing that kids should be fooling around with—and nothing for adults to take lightly, either. Take some time to inform your workers about the off-the-job dangers of fireworks.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that some 11,000 people went to the emergency room in one recent year with fireworks-related injuries. So remind workers that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a professional display. Most communities have them, and it’s a chance to meet neighbors and have a good time without risk.
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According to Prevent Blindness America, a national organization dedicated to preventing eye injuries, there is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. “It is only safe to enjoy the splendor and excitement of fireworks at a professional display,” the organization says. At the very least, “do not let your child play with fireworks,” say the experts at PBA. “Do not use them yourself, and keep family members away from those who do.”
Of course, there will always be some celebrants who want to give their own fireworks displays. If your workers decide to do their own fireworks, urge them to follow these safety precautions:
- Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, directions, and a warning label, don’t light it.
- Don’t wear loose clothing.
- Supervise children around fireworks at all times.
- Never allow young kids to handle fireworks. Responsible teenagers can help with proper training and close adult supervision.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Stand several feet away from fireworks once they are lit. If a device does not go off, don’t stand over it to investigate. Douse it with water, and dispose of it.
- Light fireworks in open areas away from onlookers, structures, and shrubbery.
- Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
- Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Have a hose handy to put out fires and a water bucket to douse duds before throwing them out.
Encourage employees to stay safe by making wise decisions and taking proper precautions as they celebrate Independence Day this year.
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Why It Matters
- Prevent Blindness America reports the highest injury estimates are for firecrackers (24%), rockets (20%), and sparklers (18%).
- Almost half (48%) of the injuries were to children under the age of 15.
- Sparklers can heat up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold.
- Parts of the body most often injured are the eyes (30%), hands (29%), and head/face (17%).
- Data from the U.S. Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators themselves.
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