Injuryboard Commentary - Fireworks

What Does It Take To Be An Expert At Handling Fireworks?

John Cooper — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:29:29 GMT

When you were young, your parents probably told you a lot of things to keep you out of trouble. Don’t run with scissors, no horsing around by the pool, don’t play with matches. As you got older, you probably came to realize that no matter how little you thought your parents knew back then, they were right about a thing or two. The old phrase “playing with fire” isn’t just a meaningless warning reserved for revolutionaries and daredevils. When your parents cautioned you against playing with open flames, explosives, or any combination of the two, they knew what they were talking about.

This summer has been a testament to the importance of exercising extreme care when handling or even standing near firework displays. Despite mom and pop’s practical wisdom, many states allow anyone to handle fireworks; this means that when you go to a party, the Tom, Joe or Bill shooting off rockets in the backyard is likely to have about as much training for handling them as you do. It’s enough for anyone to worry and to ask, what does it take to be qualified for handling fireworks?

While firework companies that are specially hired for shows should put their employees through Display Operator Training, no amount of preparation can provide ironclad protection against accidents involving volatile explosives. Whether you are a trained handler or simply an observer, playing with fireworks is always a risk. Take for example last month’s explosion in Ocracoke Island, NC. Four workers were victims of a fatal blast after products from Melrose South Pyrotechnics malfunctioned. A truck filled with supplies for a Fourth of July display blew up suddenly in a parking lot. Five people were burn victims, and one died instantly. Pyrotechnics employees were unable to avoid the unexpected and sudden blast, despite the fact that they had reportedly handled and loaded the fireworks safely and carefully into the truck. Another incident in Quakertown, PA resulted in the death of a 19 year old employee of Zambelli Fireworks International. The death was ruled a workplace accident after an investigation revealed that the victim was killed by a piece of debris that flew out of control following a ground explosion. The malfunction was the result of a flaw in the launching container used in the display.

Incidents like these prove that no matter how prepared or how careful you are, accidents still happen, especially when you are playing with fire. If you are planning to watch or set off fireworks, you should make sure that the person handling the explosives is properly trained. However, keep in mind that no amount of training can protect against accidental malfunctions. Explosives are dangerous and unpredictable by nature. Handling them on your own is a great way to invite trouble and possibly injure yourself or your family and friends. If you are injured in a firework accident caused by a malfunction, you may have a hard time suing the company for negligence or wrongdoing. Even if they have created a flawed product, it may be difficult to prove that the product, not the operator, was to blame for the accident. That’s the thing about explosions- there’s not a lot left to investigate. If a defective firework blows up incorrectly, it might be hard to prove that an untrained or careless operator did not simply do something wrong.

Exercise caution and think twice before you put yourself in harm’s way. Remember that Mom and Dad knew what they were talking about when they warned you not to play with fire.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Ocracoke’s Tragic Fireworks Shared Same Faulty Batch with Belhaven

Rick Shapiro — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 07:25:00 GMT

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The town of Belhaven had a challenge last Saturday on their 4th of July celebration. It seems that they had a problem with faulty fireworks. They ended up with many that didn’t go off and were now trying to get rid of them. Upon closer inspection, ATF agents assisting in the Ocracoke tragedy investigation found some startling similarities in Belhaven’s faulty fireworks. Specifically, Belhaven’s fireworks came off the same truck as Ocracoke’s fatal batch.

The final tally is now four workers killed and one injured from that same shipment of bad fireworks that exploded on Ocracoke Island last Saturday morning. An estimated 60 fireworks in Belhaven failed to go off Saturday. According to Belhaven revelers, the July 4^th display in Belhaven this year had very low shooting fireworks that skimmed over the water appearing very strange, it was apparent something wasn’t right.

As a personal injury lawyer we want you to be safe. Always use restraint and err on the margin of safety when lighting fireworks in your backyard or gathering. It should be noted that no matter how safe you may be, it is virtually impossible to test how safe they were made or the age of the explosives used. Additionally, fireworks should be used only under adult supervision and it is recommended that there is a designated person or persons that handle the fireworks.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper,Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro

Tighter Safety Standards Sought In Wake of Tragic Fireworks Accident

Pierce Egerton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:51:43 GMT

According to State Senator Marc Basnight, new legislation will be introduced next week to tighten safety standards for the handling of large quantities of fireworks. The move comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of 4 workers in a fireworks explosion on Ocracoke Island.

The AP is reporting that the bill will direct the state fire marshal to provide oversight in the handling of pyrotechnics. Further details were not available at this time. While the change comes too late to help the families who lost loved ones in the recent explosion, let’s hope new safety standards will prevent future tragedies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Ocracoke Fireworks Explosion Victim Survived by Young Child

Pierce Egerton — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:45:07 GMT

In an even more tragic turn to the Ocracoke fireworks explosion, that took the lives of four people last Saturday, it has been brought to my attention that the woman who died in the explosion was a single mother. Lisa Simmons of Goldsboro, NC, was the single mother of an 8-year-old son.

A trust has been opened in his name, and I encourage anyone who is able to make a contribution on his behalf. The account has been set up with Wachovia. Simply tell them you want to make a deposit to the Trust account of Avery Jackson Simmons or give them this account number: 1010233955827

The sole survivor of the accident, Marquez Holland, continues to receive treatment at UNC Hospital. And underwent surgery for his injuries on Tuesday. "A doctor at the burn center told the AP that Holland is expected to recover but will need extensive therapy."

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

July 4th Weekend Tragedy: Fireworks Explosion Kills Four People in North Carolina

Jim Lewis — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:12:00 GMT

The community of Ocracoke Island, North Carolina (NC) is mourning the deaths of four workers who were killed while unloading a truck containing fireworks exploded catapulting debris throughout the parking lot, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of those four worker’s friends and families.

The workers were employed by Melrose South Pyrotechnics. This isn’t the first time the South Carolina-based company was involved in a tragic fireworks accident. In 2001, there was an explosion at a Melrose South Pyrotechnics' plant which killed one employee and injured two workers. The company was cited for failing to properly train their employees and improper storage. The company was fined $20,000 but did not acknowledge any wrongdoing, according to the Associated Press.

In 2007, two Melrose South Pyrotechnics employees were hurt during a fireworks show in Fort Stewart, Georgia (GA).

This is a video reporting the most recent fireworks explosion accident…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIT5k2JE64I

As an injury lawyer with 20 years of experience representing clients who’ve been severely injured in explosions and other tragic events, I believe an investigation into the safety policies and practices of Melrose South Pyrotechnics is appropriate. In less than 10 years, one company has seen five employees killed and multiple others injured. Clearly, something needs to change.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

1 Killed and 4 Injured on Ocracoke Island in Fireworks Explosion

Emily Mapp Brannon — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:08:00 GMT

Tragedy hits the small Outer Bank’s island of Ocracoke when a truckload of fireworks exploded Saturday morning on a dock, killing one worker and critically injuring four others preparing for an Independence Day celebration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB14PML6KFw

So big was the explosion that it shook homes and businesses and was heard across a village on the southern end of Ocracoke Island, which is the only inhabited part of the 15-mile spit of land.

Ocracoke Island is only accessible by boat or plane. Three medical helicopters had to take the injured workers to hospitals. One of the workers was taken to a burn center in Chapel Hill, about 180 miles away, though it was unclear where the other workers were taken.

Fortunately there were several doctors, including a medical examiner, and a nurse that were visiting the island. They were able to help paramedics and staff from the local health clinic in treating the workers. The names of the workers have not been released until all family have been notified. Also, there is no known information on the company involved with the fireworks or what may have caused the blast.

There are agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as other federal officials coming to the island to investigate. Dock master Robert Raborn noticed the workers unloading the truck from the Anchorage Marina about 200 yards away. He heard the explosion, which he described as one of the loudest things he has ever heard, and then turned to see what happened.

The explosion was described by one witness as “40 minutes worth of fireworks going off in four seconds”. The explosion stopped ferries to the island for a few hours, but service was restored around noon Saturday. By the afternoon, things were returning back to normal. This incident definitely had some locals reflecting on the fact that their beloved island is far removed from major medical services. Although there is a medical center, immediate attention from a major hospital is hours away.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

UPDATE: 4 Dead, 1 Injured in Tragic Fireworks Explosion

Pierce Egerton — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:42:18 GMT

The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that two more workers have died from injuries sustained when a truck loaded with fireworks exploded on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The workers were apparently employed by Melrose South Pyrotechnics of Catawba, S.C. Melrose was going to provide the island’s annual Independence Day fireworks display.

www.youtube.com/watch

WAVY video.

One worker died at the scene. Of the other four injured workers, two were apparently airlifted to the Jaycee Burn Unit at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and two were airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C.

One of the workers taken to the burn center and one of the workers taken to Pitt Memorial subsequently died according to reports.

Several government agencies are investigating the explosion including the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the SBI. Ferry service to the island was closed to the public for several hours.

UPDATE 7/5/09: Sadly the death toll in yesterday's explosion rose to 4 this morning.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

One Dead, Four Wounded in Fireworks Blast

Pierce Egerton — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:15:58 GMT

One worker was killed and four others seriously injured when a truck filled with fireworks exploded this morning on Ocracoke Island, NC. WFMY is reporting that one of the injured suffered serious burns and was airlifted to UNC’s burn center in Chapel Hill.

According to a story by ABC11 the fireworks were for an annual Independence Day celebration on the remote island. Jane Hodges, Hyde County interim emergency manager, said, "There was an immediate response from Hyde County Sheriff's Department, the National Park Service, NC DOT Ferry Division, Marine Fisheries, and volunteers to handle the crowds and assess the situation. Fortunately, there were three doctors including a medical examiner and volunteer nurses who responded immediately along with the staff of the Ocracoke Health Center and Hyde County EMS."

Ferry service to Ocracoke was closed to the public for most of the day as use of the ferry was dedicated to emergency traffic.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Be Cautious When Using Fireworks

Emily Mapp Brannon — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:27:59 GMT

Its July 4^th weekend and we all know what that entails – fireworks. In the state of Virginia (VA), consumers are allowed to use specific fireworks including sparklers, fountains, “pharaoh’s serpents,” “pinwheels,” and “whirligigs,” according to fireworks.com. If you plan to use any of these pyrotechnic devices, exercise caution and vigilance over friends and family who use them. Fireworks-related injuries are not uncommon.

Back in 2006, eleven people died and roughly 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Nearly one-third of all fireworks-related eye injuries led to blindness, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

Over two-thirds of all fireworks-related injuries occurred between June 16 and July 16, not really surprising considering the July 4^th predilection for fireworks and the summertime weather.

You need to be very vigilant about who uses fireworks. One out of every three people injured were children 15 years of age or younger, and people under 20 years of age sustained close to half of all injuries from fireworks, according to the CDC. So, to be safe, don’t let young children use any type of fireworks.

As an injury lawyer who represents clients who’ve been severely injured using supposedly safe devices, I strongly recommend letting professionals handle fireworks. Instead of purchasing your own, simply enjoy a local fireworks display.

Here’s a video talking about fireworks safety…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5IZwTmAXvg

Also, do not exercise poor judgment and try to purchase illegal fireworks. In Virginia, these include firecrackers, skyrockets, and any fireworks which explode, travel laterally, send any projectiles into the air, according to fireworks.com.

If you are responsible and cautious with fireworks, there’s a good chance you’ll have a fun, safe July 4^th weekend devoid of serious injury to you and your loved ones.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

Happy Fourth Of July

Mike Bryant — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:13:00 GMT

It's Independence Day. It was always one of the greatest days each year when I got to enjoy it back in Rhode Island as I was growing up. There was a 3-4 hour parade, clam bakes and fireworks at night. The whole town of Bristol was electric as people returned home and there were parties everywhere. It was such a fun time.

Since then I've usually watched the local fireworks and have enjoyed watching my boys get used to the bright lights and loud sounds. I've also spent some time talking to them about the freedoms that those symbols represent. The Independence that our forefathers and many generations have since fought for. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights that describe our freedoms. Many of the same things that I get the privilege of talking to juries about.

I hope every reader has the chance to enjoy the day. Also to remember what the day is really about.

Happy Fourth.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Mike Bryant