Avoid Eye Injuries: Authorities Launch Safety Glasses Campaign for New Year’s Eve

Protective eyewear is once again in the spotlight ahead of New Year’s Eve, following accident statistics from last year that reveal a clear link between the lack of eye protection and serious injuries.

A total of 209 people were injured by fireworks on New Year’s Eve 2024/2025, 42 of whom sustained serious injuries. Of those, 73 percent were not wearing safety glasses.

To reduce the number of injuries, the authorities have this year intensified efforts to encourage more people to wear protective eyewear before lighting fireworks.

Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bødskov states:
“New Year’s Eve should be a celebration — not end in a hospital visit. Many people in Denmark enjoy a beautiful New Year’s sky, but our traditions come with a great responsibility to take care of ourselves. Last year, 73 percent of those seriously injured were not wearing safety glasses. That number is too high. For some, it led to irreversible eye injuries. That’s why the authorities are placing extra focus on the use of protective eyewear this year. Remember your glasses and enjoy the New Year’s sky.”

The Danish Safety Technology Authority, which is responsible for this area, is behind the campaign “HAV du husket brillen?” (Have you remembered your glasses?). The campaign includes, among other things, a music video created in collaboration with a 6th-grade class and the singer Benjamin Hav.

As part of the initiative, advertisements have been placed, and 150,000 postcards promoting the use of safety glasses have been distributed to fireworks retailers for handing out at points of sale.

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