Firework and 4th of July Safety
Let’s all stay safe this 4th of July!
I am sure you don’t need to be told how dangerous fireworks are. As we approach the 4th of July weekend, many of us are planning to include fireworks at our BBQ’s and family get-togethers. Since there are inherent dangers using fireworks let’s review some safety tips to keep you and those around you safe this 4th of July!
Be Aware of the Laws in Your Area
Before you start planning your fireworks block party, you should check your local municipality’s laws on fireworks. St. Louis city, county and Illinois have outright bans on the use of fireworks. Violators can face a $500.00 minimum fine or jail time for breaking these laws. Missouri statutes also detail that no person under the age of 17 should be in possession, handle, or ignite any fireworks.
Check Your Shopping List
The first thing to consider is the size of the fireworks you are purchasing. If you live in a residential area, it’s best to stick to smaller fireworks and fountains. Talk with the experts at the place of purchase and be conservative in the size and weight of each firework. The number of grams you buy determines the power of the explosion. Also, consider doing a ground show rather than launching explosives into the air, With a denser population, the risk of the fireworks hitting power lines, houses, trees or even people is higher.
Be Prepared for Safety
You’ve checked your local legislation and have chosen appropriate fireworks for your location — What’s next? Be prepared in case things go awry! Fireworks are known for their unpredictable nature which increases the risk of misfires and explosions. Have a fire extinguisher and running water readily available in case a mishap occurs. Fireworks start an average of 18,000 fires each year. Most accidents and injuries occur when inexperienced individuals ignite them or the fireworks are too large for them to safely deploy.
Protect Yourself
Many fireworks, when discharged, produce sounds at 150-170 decibels. Hearing damage can occur at only 110 decibels. Some of these effects may only last 24-48 hours, however it’s common to have lasting hearing damage or permanent tinnitus caused by the excessive levels of sound that fireworks produce. Ear protection is always recommended whenever you will be near a firework display especially for young children. To be safe, adults need to be at least 50-65 feet away from the blast, and children need a distance of at least 150 feet away.
Remember even sparklers can be dangerous! These seemingly innocent fireworks burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and account for 25% of the emergency room visits due to firework mishaps! Remember that before you hand them to children this 4th of July!
Drink After the Show, Please!
Another factor that causes higher volume of patients in the ER each year, are individuals who have gotten injured using fireworks while impaired. Using fireworks responsibly also means abstaining from alcohol before taking part in setting off fireworks.
Quick Tips and Facts
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hands
- Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby
- Do not use fireworks while impaired
- Never try to relight a dud or un-exploded firework
- Spent fireworks should be soaked in water for several hours before discarding
- Never try to light more than one firework at a time
For more information on firework safety please see the links below. Have a great 4th of July weekend and be safe!
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks
Winter Workplace Safety: Risk Management Strategies
In 2014, there were 42,480 occupational injuries involving ice, snow, or sleet that required at least one day away from work to recover.
Leadership’s Role in Worker Safety
It’s no secret that hundreds of billions of dollars are spent annually on costs correlated to work-related injuries and illnesses.
Safety Is NOT a Priority!
Did I get your attention?
Workers’ Compensation: Timing is Everything
Reducing or eliminating workers’ compensation claims is critical to an organization’s risk management strategy and is key for the long-term success of any company.
Webinar: Life of a Workers’ Compensation Claim
We do everything we can to prevent a claim, but eventually the inevitable occurs. Be prepared.
Risks to Consider When Developing a No-Smoking Policy
We’re all familiar with the down-sides of cigarette and tobacco use – it increases health risks, raises medical costs, and it often lowers productivity in the workplace. It’s costly for the employer and the individual smoking, so many companies are implementing no-smoking policies and even minimizing the number of smokers they hire. As a risk management and human resources company, Cornerstone Insurance Group decided to weigh in on this important topic.
Workplace Violence Prevention: What Can I Do?
Our previous blog discussed identifying some of the warning signs for workplace violence. Once you know the signs of a violent act, the best defense is to be aware of actions you can take now to mitigate exposures in your workplace so that you and your coworkers don’t become victims. The best defense against workplace violence is prevention.
Workplace Violence: Know the Warning Signs
Workplace violence is an unfortunate fact of everyday life in the United States.
Cyber Attacks – Are You Prepared?
The New York Times just reported that the Equifax breach was caused by the negligence of one employee. Despite the risk management and security measures the consumer credit reporting agency had taken to protect the sensitive data of its more than 800 million customers, it took only one person to make a single devastating mistake that would jeopardize the company’s entire operation.
Every Step Matters: Ladder Safety and How It Affects Everyone
Falls from ladders are consistently one of the top leading causes of occupational fatalities. Approximately 20 percent of fall-related injuries in the workplace involve ladders.
Creating a Workers’ Compensation Process
For the unprepared, workers’ compensation issues can be both confusing and costly. Fortunately for employers, there are ways to actively engage WC issues through risk management to influence their outcomes.Cyber Risks and Insurance
With the enormous amount of sensitive information stored digitally, companies need to take the proper measures to ensure their data is never compromised through customized risk management strategies.
How Safe is the Data your Company is Handling?
On Aug. 25, 2015, the Identity Theft Resource Center released a report that summarized security breaches.
Recent Posts
- OSHA’s Top Ten Cited Violations of 2019
- Firework and 4th of July Safety
- Navigating Multiple Leaves of Absence Requirements
- Integrating Leaves Of Absence Or Other Accommodations
- Returning to Work Post COVID-19
- Reopening Measures After COVID-19
- How To Support Your Employees in a Time of Uncertainty
- The CARES Act – A Review of the Details
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update for Employers
- HR Update: Coronavirus Information
Posts by Topic
- HR (15)
- risk management (14)
- Benefits (12)
- In the News (7)
- wellness (6)
- Legislative Alerts (5)
- ACA (3)
- OSHA (3)
- cyber security (3)
- Webinar (2)
- 401k (1)
- Recruiting (1)