RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
October 17, 2005
FAMILIES URGED TO PLAN EARLY TO CUT FIREWORK INJURIES
As fireworks go on sale throughout the country, RoSPA is urging people to begin planning bonfire celebrations now in order to avoid another increase in the number of people hurt.
Despite new curfew laws and tighter controls on possessing fireworks, the number of people injured rose to 1,160 in 2004 compared with 1,136 in 2003.
Almost half of the total injuries were to people under 18, who should not be getting their hands on fireworks. Nearly a quarter of the accidents happened in the street, where fireworks should not be let off.
The biggest jump in injuries was at family or private firework parties with casualties going up almost 15 per cent from 515 to 590.
David Jenkins, RoSPA Product Safety Adviser, said: “We are disappointed that the figures remain so high and we are again urging people to go to a properly organised public display if they can.
“If people start to find out where these displays are now, it means they can plan in advance how to get to them and have much less chance of being hurt. They will have no need to organise a party at home in a last minute rush, which can often lead to injuries.
“If people must have parties at home, the more they plan and take heed of the firework code, the less likely they are to see their celebrations spoiled by a trip to hospital.”
Fooling around with fireworks still results in too many accidents, and RoSPA hopes there will be strict enforcement of the ban on people under 18 possessing fireworks in the street or other public places. It is also vital that shopkeepers do not sell fireworks to under-18s and that parents, relatives and friends do not pass fireworks on to children.
The curfew making it illegal to set off fireworks after 11pm (midnight on November 5) can play an important part in stopping some of the accidents with fireworks when people leave public houses as well as reducing noise nuisance.
Many of the more powerful fireworks can now only be used by professionals. People should not be tempted to buy from street traders or at car boot sales which will not be properly registered and could be selling dangerous fireworks.
For more information and the firework code visit: www.rospa.com/fireworks/
|
RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
 |