The Department of Trade and Industry – now replaced by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform – stopped collecting firework injuries and accident data in 2005.

During a four week period from in October to November 2005, there were 990 recorded firework injuries. They happened at/in:

• family or private party – 475
• semi-public party (eg Scouts) – 38
• large public display – 121
• street or other public places – 247
• indoors – 25
• other – 5
• not specified – 71

A third of those injured suffered minor injuries and did not require treatment. Of the 990 firework injuries, 285 involved eye injuries, some threatening loss of sight. 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued a Firework Code for those planning and setting up a firework display. Advice includes:

• plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable
• keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time
• read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
• light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
• keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
• never return to a firework once it has been lit
• do not put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
• direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
• never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
• make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has experience of dealing with accidents in public places. If you've been injured by a firework at a public display, please call us on 03700 868686.

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