Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Statistics To Know In 2024

Important Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Statistics of 2024

Personal protective equipment is a practice for ensuring the safety and health of workers across various industries. It is protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments and equipment designed to protect the worker’s body from injury.

PPE acts as the last line of defense against workplace injuries and illnesses, protecting individuals from exposure to harmful chemicals, infectious materials, physical injuries, and loud noises. Proper use of PPE reduces the risk of serious injuries, such as burns, fractures, hearing loss, and respiratory illnesses. It also ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations and standards.

Importance of Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for protecting workers from various workplace hazards, such as chemical exposure, physical injuries, and air contaminants.PPE helps prevent injuries and illnesses, ensuring a safer work environment and reducing the risk of serious injuries, such as burns, fractures, hearing loss, and respiratory illnesses.

Proper use of PPE not only complies with safety regulations but also reduces the risk of accidents and associated costs. Investing in PPE and training workers on its correct use fosters a culture of safety and enhances overall productivity.

5 Interesting Stats About PPEs

Following are some interesting statistics about personal protective equipment:

1. 59.4% of Workers Use PPE:

Over half of the workforce uses PPE regularly, creating a significant awareness and compliance level. However, this still leaves a substantial portion unprotected, creating the need for increased education and enforcement. 

2. Fines Can Reach $70,000 Per Violation:

Non-compliance with PPE requirements can lead to significant financial losses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that companies can face fines ranging from $7,000 for each serious violation to $70,000 for each willful or repeated violation.

3. Proper PPE Training Increases Efficiency by 40%:

A survey found that workplaces with comprehensive PPE training and enforcement see a 40% increase in productivity. Workers feel safer to work.

4. Proper PPE Use Reduces Workplace Incidents by 60%:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), proper use of PPE can reduce workplace injuries by up to 60%, significantly decreasing incidents of eye injuries, respiratory conditions, and hand injuries.https://www.bls.gov

5. Strict Compliance of PPE:

Studies have shown that workplaces with strict PPE enforcement policies see compliance rates as high as 90%.

Common Reasons Workers Don’t Use PPE:

Some of the highly commonly identified reasons why workers don’t use PPE:

1. Uncomfortable (78.2%):

 Discomfort is the leading reason workers avoid PPE. If PPE is not designed well or is made of materials that irritate the skin, workers are less likely to wear it consistently.

2. Lack of Knowledge on How to Use PPE (73%): 

Many workers are unaware of the correct way to use PPE, leading to improper use or avoidance. This points to a gap in training and education.

3. Poor Fit/Falling Off (69.2%): 

Improper fitting PPE can be a distraction and cause additional risks. Ensuring that PPE fits all users properly is essential for its effectiveness.

4. Feel Too Hot (69.2%): 

Wearing PPE can increase body temperature, particularly in hot environments. This discomfort can discourage workers from using PPE, especially if breaks or cooling measures are not provided.

5. Unavailability (67.3%): 

Sometimes PPE is simply not available when needed, which might be due to poor planning or supply chain issues. Ensuring a steady and timely supply is crucial for worker’s safety.

6. They Think PPE Aren’t Obligatory (66%):

 Misunderstandings or misinformation about the necessity of PPE can lead to non-compliance. Clear communication about regulations and requirements is key.

Most Commonly Used PPEs:

Below are some most common types of PPE used by workers:

1. Masks/Respirators (48.7%):

 Widely used in healthcare and industrial settings, masks and respirators are essential for protecting respiratory health, especially in environments with air contaminants.

2. Ear Plugs (35.1%):

 Essential for protecting against hearing damage in noisy environments, ear plugs are commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and other high-decibel(sound) areas.

3. Gloves (33.3%):

 Gloves protect hands from a range of hazards including chemicals, cuts, and infections, making them indispensable in healthcare, laboratories, and certain manufacturing processes.

4. Helmets (29.4%):

 Helmets protect against head injuries in construction, mining, and other high-risk sectors, reducing the risk of severe injuries from falling objects or impacts.

5. Goggles (29.4%):

 Goggles are critical in environments where eyes are at risk from chemical splashes, flying debris, or other hazards, providing essential protection in laboratories and workshops.

What is the value of the PPE market worldwide?

The value of the PPE industry worldwide is growing rapidly and is expected to reach 92.86 billion in 2027. 

The above table provides an overview of the projected value of the global Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market from 2019 to 2027.

• Rapid Growth(2019-2021)

The PPE market experienced significant growth between 2019 and 2021. In 2019, the market was valued at approximately $52.43 billion, and it surged to $77.36 billion by 2021. This significant rose during the COVID-19 period where the demand for protection rose to a drastic point and the demand for PPE such as masks, gloves, face shields, and gowns hence increased rapidly to protect against the virus.

• Gradual Decline(2022-2025)

After the initial surge, the PPE market value shows a gradual decline from $76.62 billion in 2022 to $73.21 billion in 2025. This decrease could be attributed to the stabilization of PPE demand as the pandemic’s impact lessens.Additionally, as vaccination rates increased and the urgency for emergency PPE supplies decreased, the market began to adjust to pre-pandemic demand levels.

• Renewed Growth(2026-2027)

From 2026 to 2027, the market is projected to experience renewed growth, with the value rising from $73.82 billion to $92.86 billion. The increase may result from several factors as growing awareness of workplace safety, increased adoption of PPE in the markets, and the development of more advanced PPE technologies. 

Overall the PPE experienced a boom especially due to the pandemic and according to the statistics it is expected to grow steadily for awareness of health and safety precautions.Conclusion

The use of PPE is important for maintaining safety across various industries. Despite some challenges such as discomfort and lack of knowledge, its adoption remains a necessary and critical component of workplace safety protocols. Educating workers and ensuring proper availability of fit and implementation of PPE can enhance compliance and effectiveness, protecting both individuals and organizations.

NCBI, OSHA, Statista, Statista(2)