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Thousands of preventable, recreational fireworks-related injuries are treated annually in U.S. emergency departments. These incidents have consequences for employers who care about occupational health and safety. Employees with fireworks-related injuries often need to take time off to recover from serious accidents. In some cases, mishandling of fireworks can cause permanent disability or death.
There are important reasons why consumers are urged to purchase “safe-and-sane” fireworks. In a 2023 study, about 18 percent of fireworks tested by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) were found to be non-compliant due to faulty fuses, use of prohibited chemicals or pyrotechnic materials overload. Even hand-held sparklers are not harmless. Burning at up to 2,000°F, they can melt some metals, ignite clothing and scorch bare feet if they are dropped.
Most fireworks-related injuries are to the hands, fingers or eyes. The CPSC received reports of eight non-occupational, fireworks-related deaths in 2023, and it is believed more fireworks-fatalities occurred. Fireworks were associated with an estimated 9,700 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments last year. Consumer studies show a statistically significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries since 2008, increasing by an average of 561 injuries per year. Firecrackers and other types of fireworks also annually cause fires that are costly in terms of injuries and property damage.
What Can You Do?
Demonstrate that you care about employee and public health and safety by sharing this information:
Over-the-counter first-aid remedies can be used to treat mild burns. Emergency medical care should be sought for severe burns and hand injuries. For eye injuries, do not apply ointment or attempt to remove foreign objects from the eye before seeking emergency care.
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