Firework statistics show welcome decline

Ulster Unionist member of the Assembly Health Committee, Sam Gardiner MLA has welcomed a 'significant' fall in the number of firework injuries in recent years.

Speaking after Department of Health figures revealed that the number of reported firework injuries has fallen by more than 65% over the last four years, Mr Gardiner said that "30 injuries last year are still 30 too many".

"While information campaigns are clearly working - and that is to be commended - there are still those individuals out there who are prepared to take unnecessary risks.

"Hospital records indicate that the majority of these injuries were caused by bangers, which seems to suggest that young people are failing to recognise the dangers associated with these particular fireworks.

"Often with very short fuses and no instructions for use, bangers are prone to exploding before they have left the hand. Parents must not turn a blind eye to what they may erroneously see as harmless fun.

"While we all want to have a good time, getting carried away when with fireworks is a dangerous business," the Upper Bann UUP MLA said.

"Given that statistics show that males under 18 account for the greatest proportion of those injured, we clearly need to hammer the message home that fireworks are not toys

"With most injuries typically occurring to the hands and eyes - with the potential for blindness, third degree burns, and permanent scarring - this is not an issue to be taken lightly.

"Fireworks are explosives and must be handled with the utmost care, and it is up to parents and responsible adults to effectively communicate the dangers to our young people.

"I commend the safety campaigns already in place, and can only hope that the message continues to hit home that injuries take all the fun out of fireworks."