Safety First: Firework Work Safety

When you think of the Fourth of July, you typically think of turning on the barbecue, pool parties and a day filled with dazzling firework displays. However, a day filled with laughter and fun can end with severe and life-altering injuries. The Fourth of July carries the highest accident statistics in the U.S. compared to all other holidays. During the month of July, roughly 180 people go to the emergency room for firework-related injuries.

Read on to learn how to keep your friends and family safe this Fourth of July with firework safety tips.

Common Dangers Related to Firework Safety

A majority of injuries caused by fireworks are the result of misuse by the consumer. Common mistakes like improperly lighting the firework to lighting the firework too close to others or a firework igniting while someone is holding it, can lead to serious burns and eye injuries.

Often the most injured body parts are:

• Hands and fingers (28%)
• Legs (24%)
• Eyes (19%)
• Head, face and ears (15%)
• Torsos (10%)
• Arms (4%)

Malfunctioning fireworks can explode prematurely, meaning the user has not had enough time to make it a safe distance away. Or a defective fuse may ignite the explosive powders that the manufacturer did not intend, resulting in the firework exploding in an unexpected way.

It is important to remember that fireworks are dangerous explosives. Even when used properly, they can still cause severe injuries.

Firework Injury Prevention

Yes, we all love to watch the colorful display and bright lights with our friends and families, but we need to remember how dangerous fireworks are. You can help prevent firework-related injuries by following the national, state and local laws.

Remember these firework safety tips:

• Follow the directions on the fireworks package, and never modify or experiment with homemade fireworks, even if you have used these fireworks before.
• Never let children use fireworks without supervision. Harmless fireworks, like sparklers, still burn at high temperatures and can cause severe burns.
• Set off fireworks outdoors, away from houses and fire hazards, such as tall grass and dry leaves.
• Do not try to re-ignite used or malfunctioning fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergency purposes and soak any used or misfired fireworks before discarding to prevent fires or accidental ignitions.

Navigating Who is Responsible

Unfortunately, accidents do happen and injuries can occur around fireworks. Victims of firework-related injuries may be able to recover damages for their injuries. This includes family, friends or if you are a spectator at a firework show.

If injured at a firework show due to lack of properly supervising the activity, you may be able to hold the company, person or entity in charge for the show’s organization liable for any injuries you have sustained.

But what happens if no one was acting irresponsible at the time of the injury, but the firework product itself was defective? The manufacturer or company that produced the product may be held liable. To hold the manufacturer or company liable, you would need to prove that they knowingly sold a defective firework or acted carelessly when it was designed.

If firework safety is not followed, it can lead to catastrophic injuries and burns. If you or a loved one has been injured by fireworks, contact us today to get the Results You Deserve®.