With the Fourth of July approaching, employers can help workers and families keep safety top of mind before the long holiday weekend.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that fireworks were involved in 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 injuries nationwide last year. Prevent Blindness Ohio has also declared June 28 through July 4 as Fireworks Safety Week to raise awareness about the risks tied to consumer fireworks, including severe eye injuries and burns.

Employers are encouraged to remind workers to follow local laws, keep fireworks away from children, avoid relighting malfunctioning fireworks, keep water nearby and leave larger displays to trained professionals.

“Safety does not stop when the workweek ends,” said Jacob Sargent, director of public policy services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “A quick reminder before the holiday can help employees and their families avoid injuries that are preventable, painful and sometimes life-changing.”

A safe holiday weekend starts with planning, caution and common sense. 7/1/2026