Ken Alderden June 25, 2024 2 min read

Firework Safety

Fireworks are a staple of many Fourth of July and other celebrations, but remember to take precautions to ensure your special event is safe and accident-free.

The Risks

Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be—which is a primary reason that injuries occur. Fireworks can not only injure the users, but can also affect bystanders.

Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction and may explode on or near someone instead of up in the air. Sparklers are also a huge risk, as they burn at very high temperatures and are often given to children too young to use them safely. All fireworks pose potential risks of burn, blindness and other injury.

Tips for Safe Use

When using fireworks, always plan carefully in advance for who will shoot them and what safety precautions you will have in place. Here are some suggestions to ensure safety and avoid accidents:

  • Use fireworks and sparklers outdoors only.
  • Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
  • Only use fireworks as intended. Do not alter or combine them, and do not use homemade fireworks.
  • Keep spectators a safe distance away.
  • Never give sparklers to young children.
  • Wear safety goggles when handling or shooting off fireworks.
  • Do not shoot fireworks off if under the influence of alcohol.
  • Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children, and what not to do (throw, run, or fight with sparkler in hand)—but supervise closely, regardless.
  • Point fireworks away from people, homes, trees, etc.
  • Never try to relight a dud (a firework that didn’t properly ignite).
  • Soak all firework debris in water before throwing it away.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

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Ken Alderden

Ken joined Hausmann Group in 2022 with over 30 years of experience in the insurance safety field. He has worked both on the carrier and agency side, which gives him a unique perspective into the ins and outs of safety at companies both large and small. Ken focuses on Construction safety in particular, working with clients on fleet safety, FMCSA issues, and large property fire protection. When Ken encounters a problem, he prides himself on making practical suggestions to improve safety that not only are effective at reducing risk, but also are practical to the business owners with their investment of time and money. He states, “Often there are alternatives to conventional safety practices that are overlooked. I would like to think my clients would say I enjoy providing common sense solutions.” You can find Ken landscaping, tinkering with machines in his garage or spending time with his family when he is not in the office. He loves to do anything outdoors and has coached baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer over the years. Ken has a B.S. in Occupational Safety from UW-Whitewater and is an OSHA Outreach Trainer for Construction Safety.

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