The global market for personal protective equipment (PPE)—including protective clothing—is worth over Euro10 bn (US$13 bn) per annum and is growing at a healthy rate.
In Europe alone, PPE helps to protect over 140 mn workers. Employers are becoming more aware of their obligations to their workers, and these obligations are being reinforced by legislation.
The principal user industries are: engineering and manufacturing; chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food; oil, gas and petrochemicals; construction; utilities; and emergency services. PPE can be divided into the following four categories: above-the-neck protection, including headwear and ear and eye protectors; protective clothing; protective gloves; and footwear.
