WASHINGTON - Since the founding fathers declared the colonies independent in 1776, cannons, fireworks and today, extensive pyrotechnic displays have become a July 4th fixture. Unfortunately, so have serious injuries and worse for people employed in the fireworks and pyrotechnics industry when important workplace safety standards are ignored.
With the approach of Independence Day, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is strongly urging employers in the fireworks and pyrotechnics industry to keep employees safe from the many hazards that exist in manufacturing, storing, transporting, displaying and sales.
Earlier this month, OSHA cited a Florida-based entertainment company after four workers died and a fifth suffered critical injuries in Orlando, Florida, after a fire and explosion at a fireworks warehouse. The agency determined that an ignition source sparked a fire and explosions as a team of workers readied fireworks for a local show.
As companies prepare fireworks displays, employers must train workers properly in a language they understand, and make certain that employees take appropriate measures to safeguard volatile devices from causing serious and potentially fatal injuries.
OSHA provides the pyrotechnics industry with safety information about common hazards and controls for workers in retail fireworks sales and in outdoor fireworks displays.
Download workplace safety posters for the pyrotechnics industry and view a training video on best industry practices for retail sales and manufacturers informed by the National Fire Protection Association consensus standards.
Learn more about OSHA.
Media Contact:
Victoria Godinez, 202-602-7324, godinez.victoria.c@dol.gov
Release Number: 23-1448-NAT