K.L. and B.J. Kosanke, and C. Jennings-White
The consequences of accidents can be devastating to those immediately involved and their relatives. However, the ramifications of accidents can extend much further. This is illustrated in what Richard Green (Idaho National Engineering Laboratory)[1] has described as “The Four Horsemen of Our Own Apocalypse”, specifically:
ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, LITIGATION, and LEGISLATION.
In effect, this is a chain in which Accidents produce Injuries, which often result in Litigation, the notoriety from which helps generate pressure for more restrictive regulation (Legislation). With this view, it is accidents involving individuals that produce increased regulation, or at least provide an excuse for increased regulation. Because regulations not only affect those individuals having accidents, but also the fireworks community as a whole, the whole community has a stake in eliminating fireworks accidents. It is the hope of the authors that this article will contribute by stimulating thought and discussion of some basic Hazard Management concepts.
Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 3, (1993-1994), pp 88-91
(K3_88)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
