Fireworks Safety

Worker Fatality—UTICA, New York November 24, 2010 — Utica Police recently finished their primary investigation into the fireworks accident that took a worker’s life Saturday night.

“It doesn’t appear to be anything other than an industrial accident,” said Utica Police. “We took the primary lead to the investigation to determine whether or not it was criminal in nature, and it was not.”

The worker was an employee of then Utica-based American Fireworks Manufacturing company, and was setting off fireworks for the Christmas on Main Street celebration around 5:45 p.m. November 20. It appears he was part of a fatal mishap.

“For some reason or another, he leaned over the tube, that sets off the fireworks. We can only speculate why he would have done something like that. At that same time, the tube discharged and struck him in the face.”

Here’s some important information on fireworks safety.

Handling Fireworks Safely

  • Always read and follow label directions.
  • Buy from reliable sellers.
  • Use outdoors only.
  • Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
  • Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
  • Never give fireworks to small children.
  • If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
  • Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
  • Stay away from illegal explosives.
  • Never use any type of firework inside a building or structure.

Fireworks Can be Deadly

Stay away from illegal explosives. Illegal explosive devices continue to cause serious injuries around the Fourth of July holiday; these devices are commonly known as M- 80s, M-100s, blockbusters or quarter-pounders. Federally banned since 1966, these items will not contain the manufacturer’s name and are usually totally unlabeled. Don’t purchase or use unlabeled fireworks.

Disclaimer: The information and suggestions contained in these safety talks are believed to be reliable. However, the authors of the topics and the owners of this web site accept no legal responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of such information or suggestions contained within these topics. These guidelines do not supercede local, state, or federal regulations and must not be construed as a substitute for, or legal interpretation of, any OSHA regulations.