July 4 OSHA Concerns

Companies and organizations involved in the fireworks/pyrotechnics has been given a good reminder by OSHA  of their duties in enforcing health and safety for their workers for handling fireworks specially for the upcoming 4th of July fireworks show. 

As the 4th of July quickly approaches, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds employers in the fireworks/pyrotechnics industry of their duty to always protect their workers from the dangers of handling fireworks for public events—a reminder often repeated in OSHAcampus.com safety training, such as OSHA 10 training and OSHA 30.

For those in the industry, OSHA recommends a visit to its Safety and Health Topics page before Independence Day. Two sections are particularly important to the pyrotechnics industry: retail sales of fireworks and fireworks display. The page describes common hazards and offers solutions to issues found in both areas of the industry. A video, as well as a downloadable poster, on best industry practices for retail sales and manufacturers is also available.

In addition, the OSHA site references such federal standards on consumer use of fireworks as those of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"As we look forward to celebrating July 4 with fireworks and festivities, we must also consider the safety of workers who handle pyrotechnics," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "It's the employer's responsibility to keep everyone safe on the job and take appropriate measures to protect workers making, selling, displaying, or otherwise handling dangerous pyrotechnic materials."