Explosion kills 4 workers at entertainment company’s fireworks warehouse in Orlando, Labor Department cites

Orlando, FL – A Florida-based entertainment company could have avoided a deadly December 2022 fire and explosion at an Orlando warehouse that killed four employees and killed a fifth in a near-fatal accident, a federal workplace safety investigation found. The injury was hospitalized for several months.

U.S. Department of Labor investigators OSHA It was determined that when a group of workers employed by Magic in the Sky Florida LLC prepared fireworks for a local show, an ignition sparked a fire and explosion at the storage facility. The five employees, aged between 22 and 27, soon found themselves trapped.

After an investigation, OSHA found that the company failed to follow established safety procedures to protect its employees and issued a citation for 10 serious violations. Specifically, the agency determined that Magic in the Sky failed to:

• Ensure proper storage of explosive materials used in commercial fireworks displays.
• Follow OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standards to prevent or minimize accidental ignition of explosive materials by performing a hazard analysis and developing and implementing written process safety procedures and emergency action plans.
• Ensure electrical equipment in the work area is designed and classified for use in hazardous locations and cannot be used as a source of ignition.
• Develop a hazard communication plan and maintain safety data sheets.

Company Faces Proposed OSHA Fine of $109,375the amount prescribed by federal law.

“The deaths of four young workers and the life-changing injuries of a fifth worker exposed a systemic failure at Magic in the Sky that could have led to fires and explosions that the company could have avoided, only adding to the tragedy,” said the statement. OSHA Acting District Office Director Audrey Windham in Orlando, Florida. “Companies using pyrotechnics must ensure strict adherence to safety protocols to protect workers from catastrophic consequences. “

Magic in the Sky Florida, LLC, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is an entertainment services company specializing in pyrotechnics for aerial fireworks displays.

Companies have 15 business days to comply with subpoenas and penalties, request an informal meeting with OSHA, or contest findings before an independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Committee.

Visit the OSHA website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency Information about OSHA compliance assistance resources and free help with complying with OSHA standards.