Colchester, UK – Last year, one Ambulance Service alone in the UK* received over 40,000 phone calls over the autumn firework period. This statistic, which incidentally has risen year on year, is just a fraction of calls received by the emergency services throughout the UK relating to incidents involving fireworks.Fireworks are increasingly popular for celebratory occasions, and are now widely used throughout the events industry all through the year. Potentially, this means that more people are at risk of injury from them and, given the statistics, it’s understandable that any event involving fireworks should undergo a thorough risk assessment. Stray fireworks, bonfires, sparklers and the safety of the display team and audience are just a few examples of risks to consider, as they pose potential hazards, all of which can be insured against.
John Heaney, public liability expert for Hiscox, said, “The organisers of any event will be fully aware that one of their key priorities is to minimise the risk of injury at their function, especially those that involve fireworks. It is normal for the organiser to be asked to provide proof of public liability insurance for any event, let alone those that involve fireworks. This type of insurance protects against the possible associated financial and legal implications, if anything unpredictable were to occur.”
He continued, “As the current economic climate dictates many changes for businesses, it is crucial for us that health and safety is one of the areas not to cut corners on. Governing bodies of public spaces are imposing stricter requirements for more and more organisers to adhere to, with public liability insurance being top of the list to ensure guests will be provided for in the event of an accident. Hiscox offers a bespoke product to suit each individual customer and their requirements, and policies can be tailored accordingly.”
Fireworks can be used year-round to create dramatic and beautiful effects at any exhibition or event. However, they’re obviously highly unpredictable, and organisers need to ensure they’ve assessed and addressed the associated risks appropriately.
It’s important for organisers to remember, remember, to insure their event, and not only on the 5th November!
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* Source: Essex Ambulance Service - recorded 40,395 phone calls over the autumn firework period.
Notes to editors
Firework facts:
- Sparklers can reach up to 2,000°C
- A rocket travels at 150mph
- Bigger fireworks can reach a height of 200m
- The majority of accidents occur at family or private parties (e.g. corporate events)
- 6,637 people were hurt or injured from fireworks from the year 2000 to 2005.
For recommendations, guidelines and more information on fireworks visit:
The Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks
British Fireworks Association at www.b-f-a.org
Hiscox UK’s event insurance division
Hiscox UK’s event insurance division provides specialist event insurance for the conference, exhibition, events and hospitality market. With 30 years’ experience, Hiscox (through its UK event insurance division and its Global Markets division) arranges insurance for all kinds of events from large annual business conferences, major exhibitions and one-off firework displays to sporting occasions, weddings and other specialist events. Hiscox’s products are recognised as some of the best by event industry associations, and are underwritten by Hiscox Syndicate 33 at Lloyd's of London which is managed by Hiscox Syndicates Limited, a company authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
About Hiscox
Hiscox, headquartered in Bermuda, is an international specialist insurance group listed on the London Stock Exchange. There are three main underwriting parts of the Group – Hiscox Global Markets, Hiscox UK and Europe, and Hiscox International. Hiscox Global Markets underwrites mainly internationally traded business in the London Market – generally large or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd’s. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and Hiscox USA. Hiscox Insurance Company Ltd, Hiscox Underwriting Ltd, Hiscox ASM Ltd and Hiscox Syndicates Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
For further information, visit www.hiscox.com