The COVID-19 pandemic made commonplace many terms that were considered almost jargon within specific industries. Suddenly, everyone was talking about PPE, for example. Personal protective equipment from masks to gowns and “booties,” used by healthcare professionals in isolation wards and surgeries, become recognizable by everyone. The safety apparel used in hospitals was now being demanded by people staying at home.
Various governments implemented strict rules due to COVID-19 such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act by the U.S. Congress for protecting public health workers, establishing free testing, providing paid leaves, and important benefits to children and families, in 2020 to curb the spread. Increasing domestic production coupled with restraints on the product imports and exports surged the PPE demand in 2020.
According to Grand View Research, the global personal protective equipment market size was valued at $77.36 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.3% from 2020 to 2028. Increasing awareness regarding hygiene to avoid transmission of pathogens in healthcare facilities is expected to drive the demand for PPE over the forecast period.
And while the term PPE became synonymous with COVID-19, the use of protective gear has been a staple of construction for generations. Dust, chemicals, fumes, and particulate matter are common on jobsites and equipment for prevention of illness from these elements is equally common.
The hand protection product segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 28% in 2020 and is expected to grow steadily. Risks associated with corrosive chemicals, handling warm objects and heavy-duty equipment are likely to spur the demand for protective gloves in the construction, oil & gas, healthcare, and metal fabrication industries.
Protective clothing—including heat and flame protection, chemical defending, cleanroom clothing, and mechanical protective clothing—is the second-largest product segment. The high-performance attributes of these products have resulted in increased penetration driving their demand in various end-use industries.
Protective footwear accounted for a significant market share and is expected to witness a CAGR of 6.8% as a result of growing understanding among employers that they need to protect employees against foot injuries caused by chainsaws, electric shock, and metatarsal impact is likely to have a positive impact on the segment growth.
Respiratory protective equipment protects employees against hazardous gases and vapors, particulates, chemical agents, radiological particles, and biological contaminants. Rising demand for unpowered respirators, primarily from the petrochemical, mining, cement, construction, coal, fertilizers, and oil & gas sectors, is expected to drive the segment growth over the forecast period.
Original Article: https://constructech.com/ppe-for-you-and-me/
