Unveiling the Perils of the Fireworks Industry: In-Depth Analysis

The use of fireworks to celebrate special occasions is a common tradition worldwide. However, beneath the excitement and spectacle of fireworks displays lies a significant safety risk, not only to the users and environment but especially to the workers involved in their production.

Tragedy struck Thailand on Wednesday when an explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in the central region of the country. Reports from local authorities indicate that approximately 20 workers lost their lives in the incident, with the entire worksite being demolished. Many others in the surrounding area were also injured. This devastating event is just one of many that Thailand’s fireworks industry has experienced over the past two decades. A previous explosion at the same factory in 2022 resulted in one fatality, while another blast in southern Thailand last year claimed the lives of 12 people and left over 100 injured.

Unfortunately, such accidents are not isolated to Thailand. China and India, the major manufacturing hubs for fireworks worldwide, have also witnessed numerous factory explosions that have garnered attention. Last October, two explosions at fireworks factories in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals. In July of the same year, an explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in central China claimed the lives of at least five people.

As concerns mount over the safety risks associated with the global fireworks industry, advocates are urging government officials and factory operators to implement safety measures at production sites to mitigate the occurrence of injurious and fatal accidents. Here’s what you need to know:

Why is the fireworks industry so dangerous?

The presence of highly combustible materials within fireworks factories makes even small flames potentially devastating. In 2014, a massive explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in southern China, resulting in the deaths of 12 people. The incident was triggered by a fire ignited when someone sweeping highly combustible rice hulls, a crucial component in fireworks, generated enough friction. This set off a chain of explosions throughout the tightly packed factory buildings, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

Terry Winkle, an American fireworks business owner who had previously visited the factory, described it as “an accident waiting to happen” in a 2016 investigative report. The facility’s hazardous conditions and lack of safety precautions were evident, raising concerns about the potential for a catastrophic event.

Researchers studying the dangers of fireworks production have emphasized the importance of safety training for workers. A 2023 study analyzing over 100 fireworks production accidents in China identified safety education and training, the physical and mental state of workers, and workplace management as the primary factors influencing accident likelihood.

However, due to lax safety regulations and the prevalence of illegal factories, safety awareness is often lacking. A 2014 survey conducted among fireworks factory workers in Tamil Nadu, India, revealed that 92% of respondents had not received any training for their tasks. Furthermore, 97% reported that their managers did not provide them with proper safety tools or attire.

What is being done to address these dangers?

Despite the evident hazards associated with the industry, the demand for fireworks continues to rise. The global fireworks market was estimated to be worth $2.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2031. This demand makes it challenging to regulate or restrict the industry effectively. Even when governments attempt to ban fireworks due to environmental and public health concerns, these measures often face resistance from enthusiastic crowds. Although India implements annual bans on fireworks near Diwali to combat air pollution, these bans are rarely enforced or observed. Similarly, Chinese cities faced public backlash when they banned fireworks ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in February.

In an effort to prevent further tragedies in fireworks factories, authorities have taken a strict stance against operators, imposing heavy penalties. Following the 2014 accident in southern China that claimed 12 lives, the factory owner was sentenced to six years in prison for negligence and safety regulation violations. In a similar incident in northeastern China in 2003, where 38 people died, the owner of an unlicensed fireworks factory was sentenced to death.

Researchers have also suggested using safer substitute materials in fireworks production. For example, reducing the amount of aluminum in flash powders by incorporating boron, a chemical with a higher ignition threshold, could enhance safety.

Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of designing architecture that minimizes casualties in the event of a disaster. In response to the recent factory explosion in Thailand, a Thai environmental and health expert recommended implementing a “bubble zone” surrounding fireworks factories or warehouses. Depending on the quantity of fireworks stored, this zone would have a buffer area of 100 to 500 meters, prohibiting unauthorized individuals from entering.

As the fireworks industry continues to evolve and adapt, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize safety measures to protect both workers and the public from the inherent risks involved in fireworks production and usage.