It is a crime in Victoria for anyone other than a licensed pyrotechnician to use or possess fireworks, which are all classed as a type of explosive under the Dangerous Goods Act.
WorkSafe executive director health and safety Narelle Beer said it was important people celebrated the end of 2022 with safety in mind.
“Having fireworks in the hands of someone who is not licensed is a recipe for disaster,” she said.
Dr Beer warned that possession of fireworks could lead to unintended and heavy consequences.
“Anyone in possession of illegal fireworks is risking serious injury or death to themselves and those around them, as well as the prospect of a term of imprisonment or heavy fines.”
Seventeen people presented at hospital emergency departments with fireworks-related injuries in the 2021-22 financial year, compared to 16 in the previous period, according to the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit at Monash University.
Of the 169 people treated for fireworks-related injuries since July 2015, 79 per cent were male and a quarter were aged 20 to 24, with five aged four or under and eight older than 55.
Along with causing injuries, the use of illegal fireworks can start fires.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said current environmental conditions increased the risk of fires starting.
“There has been significant grass growth in many areas across the state and these fuels are drying out quickly, so there is potential for vegetation fires,” he said.
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