Stringent government regulations covering worker safety to support ongoing protective clothing market expansion, says new report

According to a recent report from Dublin-based market research firm Research and Markets, the global protective clothing market, including protective garments used in the aerospace and defence sector, is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.77%. The research report anticipates that the market will go from its 2021 value of US $10.71bn to a total market size of US$16.9 bn by 2028.

Much of the growth, the report claims, will arise from the growing demand for protective clothing as government’s regulations regarding workers’ safety become stricter.

Demand on the upswing

The growing adoption of protective clothing, thanks to the vital role it plays in minimising the risk of life-threatening injuries as well as the expansion of global manufacturing and various industrial sectors that require specialised protective equipment, have led to an upswing in demand for protective gear, the report says.  As a result, governments are placing more and more emphasis on worker safety and are introducing increasingly exacting regulations.

Stringent government regulations

In Research and Markets’ view, the rise of these more stringent government requirements is the main factor driving the development of cutting-edge protective clothing that prioritises both user comfort, and safety. As examples, the market research firm cites the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which requires employees in the oil and gas sector to wear heat and flame-resistant attire, and the Norwegian Armed Forces’ incorporation of Spectra Shield ballistic materials into their military equipment to enhance protection.

Growth in workplace injuries

Beyond strict legislation, there are other factors behind the growth of the protective attire market, the reports stresses. Protective clothing plays a significant role in reducing work-related illnesses and injuries, says Research and Markets. In addition, the use of protective gear provides safety for those working in hazardous environments, alleviating their fears, stress, and anxiety, which, in turn, improves their productivity and efficiency. Consequently, manufacturers are faced with fewer lawsuits and reduced compensation costs for their employees.

Drawing from a survey conducted by US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the report maintains that there has been an increase in injury cases among private industry employees. According to the survey, there was an increase in injury cases in 2021 with the total number of injuries recorded at 2,654.70, data that highlights the ongoing importance of workplace safety and the need for continued efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

India expected to be the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific

India in particular has seen a growing number of industrial accidents, which has provided extended scope to the protective clothing market. The research report quotes data from the IndustriALL Global Union showing that in 2021 alone there were at least 429 accidents in major Indian manufacturing sectors, including mining, steel, pharmaceutical, and chemicals, in which more than 700 workers were injured.

Additionally, Research and Markets finds that the growth of these sectors has increased the probability of accidents. As an example of the expansion in these industries in the country, the report draws statistics from India’s Ministry of Mines, demonstrating that the number of mines for non-metallic minerals has risen, going from 767 in 2020 to 774 in 2021.

The Research and Markets report on the protective clothing market covers flame retardant apparel; chemical defending garments; clean room clothing; mechanical protective clothing, and limited general-use clothing. It is segmented by end-user sectors including: oil and gas; chemical, pharmaceuticals; aerospace and defence; healthcare, and government.

Companies mentioned in the report include DuPont; Honeywell International; MCR Safety (Acquired by Bunzl Plc); Lakeland Industries; MSA Safety; 3M; ANSELL; Protective Industrial Products; ILC Dover, and Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.

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