Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role in keeping Canadian workers safe.
From construction sites and factories to hospitals and laboratories, PPE such as helmets, gloves, masks, and protective eyewear helps reduce the risk of serious injuries.
Workplace injuries remain a major concern across the country. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, over 277,000 lost-time claims were reported in 2022 alone.
Proper use of PPE can prevent many of these incidents, making it one of the most important tools for protecting employees and ensuring safer work environments.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight the top PPE statistics that show just how vital protective gear is.
These numbers reflect not only the role PPE plays in reducing accidents but also the significant growth of the PPE market as employers and industries place more focus on safety.
By looking at these statistics, Canadian employers, workers, and safety professionals can better understand the importance of investing in quality equipment and following proper safety practices.
Top 10 Personal Protective Equipment Statistics You Can’t Ignore
Numbers can often tell a stronger story than words, especially when it comes to workplace safety.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an investment that protects lives, improves productivity, and reduces employer liability.
The following ten statistics shed light on how PPE shapes industries worldwide and in Canada, showing trends in market growth, safety outcomes, and employer responsibilities.
Understanding these figures helps businesses make smarter decisions about compliance, procurement, and training, ensuring workers have the protection they need.
1. Global PPE Market Projection
The global PPE market is projected to reach $77.66 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%.
This steady rise reflects the increasing demand for safety equipment across sectors like healthcare, construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing.
The growth is also tied to stronger workplace safety regulations and the lasting impact of global health crises, which emphasized the importance of protective gear.
For businesses, this trend highlights the need to stay ahead by investing in reliable PPE suppliers and ensuring their workforce is properly equipped.
2. North America PPE Market Share
North America holds over 33% of the global PPE market share, making it a key player in driving industry standards.
This dominance stems from strict workplace safety regulations, a strong healthcare infrastructure, and significant investment in industrial safety across sectors.
Industries such as construction, mining, and energy continue to push demand for high-quality PPE.
For Canadian businesses, this data reinforces the importance of compliance with regulatory bodies like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and shows why prioritizing PPE is both a legal and practical necessity.
3. U.S. PPE Market Growth
The U.S. PPE market is projected to reach $37.98 billion by 2032, reflecting steady expansion across industries.
This growth is closely tied to the strong regulatory framework enforced by OSHA, which sets strict standards for workplace safety.
From construction sites to healthcare facilities, the demand for PPE continues to rise as employers work to protect employees from hazards like chemical exposure, heavy machinery, and infectious diseases.
For businesses, this market projection shows that PPE is not optional—it’s a compliance requirement and a critical investment in safeguarding workers.
4. Sector with High PPE Demand
Research shows that 91.8% of educational service businesses report high PPE demand. The pandemic permanently changed how schools, universities, and childcare centers manage health and safety.
Masks, gloves, and sanitizers became essential tools to reduce the spread of illness in environments where people gather in close contact.
For educational institutions, the continued reliance on PPE underscores the importance of maintaining safe environments not only for staff but also for students and families.
This shift also signals to other sectors that PPE is no longer confined to industrial or medical settings—it’s a broader public safety tool.
5. Actual Percentage of Workers that Use PPE
While 59.4% of workers use PPE regularly, only 64% use it properly, revealing a concerning gap between availability and effective protection.
Improper use; whether it’s wearing the wrong size, using equipment inconsistently, or neglecting to follow safety protocols - can leave workers exposed to serious risks.
This highlights that simply providing PPE is not enough; employers must also ensure workers are trained on correct usage and given equipment that is comfortable and practical for their tasks.
Better PPE training programs, regular safety refreshers, and improvements in PPE design can significantly increase proper usage and, in turn, reduce workplace injuries.
6. The Impact of Proper PPE Usage
OSHA reported that proper use of PPE can cut workplace injuries by up to 60%.
In high-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, this difference can mean fewer hospital visits, lower compensation claims, and safer work environments overall.
For example, safety helmets and fall protection in construction reduce head injuries and falls, while gloves and eye protection in manufacturing prevent burns and cuts.
In healthcare, PPE such as masks and gowns has been proven to lower infection rates.
These examples highlight how the full protective benefits of PPE are only realized when equipment is worn correctly and consistently.
7. Biggest Reason for Most Occupational Accidents
Inadequate or improper PPE use is responsible for 34% of occupational accidents. When workers lack the right protective gear or don’t use it properly, they are left exposed to preventable hazards.
Common examples include falls due to missing harnesses, chemical burns from weak protective gloves, or respiratory issues from not wearing masks in biologically hazardous environments.
For businesses, this underscores the need to ensure PPE is not only available but also suitable, properly fitted, and supported by training.
Providing the right equipment reduces accidents, boosts compliance, and creates safer workplaces.
8. Main Reason for Not Using PPE
A major barrier to PPE compliance is discomfort, with 78.2% of non-users citing it as the main reason they avoid wearing protective equipment.
Ill-fitting helmets, gloves that restrict movement, or masks that make breathing difficult can discourage workers from consistent use.
Companies can overcome this challenge by investing in more comfortable and ergonomic PPE designed with worker needs in mind.
Offering multiple sizes, breathable materials, and modern designs helps ensure employees can wear their gear for long periods without discomfort. When workers feel their PPE supports rather than hinders them, usage rates rise significantly.
9. China’s Dominance in the Production of PPE
China produces 59% of the world’s masks and respirators, making it the global leader in PPE manufacturing.
This dominance was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when global demand surged, and many countries relied heavily on China’s production capacity.
By controlling such a large share of the supply, China ensures PPE availability in times of crisis, but it also means global markets can face supply chain vulnerabilities if disruptions occur.
For businesses worldwide, this highlights the importance of diversifying suppliers and building stockpiles to reduce risks tied to over-reliance on one source.
10. OSHA Fines for Non-Compliance with PPE Regulations
Failure to follow PPE safety regulations can be costly—OSHA fines can reach up to $70,000 per violation.
These penalties are meant to push companies to prioritize worker safety, yet some industries still struggle with compliance.
Construction, manufacturing, and chemical processing often see the highest violations due to lapses in training, improper gear, or failure to provide adequate protection.
Beyond financial losses, non-compliance can harm a company’s reputation and expose workers to avoidable risks.
For businesses, this statistic is a clear reminder that investing in proper PPE programs is far less expensive than paying the price for negligence.
How Proper PPE Use Improves Workplace Safety
There is a clear connection between the proper use of PPE and safer workplaces.
When workers wear the right protective equipment correctly, injury rates drop significantly—studies show that proper PPE usage can reduce workplace injuries by up to 60%.
This reduction isn’t just a number; it represents fewer hospital visits, lower compensation claims, and healthier workers returning home safely at the end of the day.
Real-world examples prove how effective PPE can be. In the construction sector, the consistent use of hard hats and fall protection systems has dramatically lowered head and fall-related injuries.
In manufacturing, gloves and protective eyewear have reduced cuts, burns, and eye injuries, while healthcare workers saw fewer infections during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to masks, gowns, and respirators.
The benefits go beyond injury prevention. Safer workplaces often see higher productivity because employees feel protected and confident in their environment.
For employers, investing in proper PPE reduces costs tied to lost workdays and legal claims while building a stronger safety culture.
Simply put, correct and consistent PPE use protects lives and strengthens workplace performance.
Addressing the Challenges of PPE Usage in the Workplace
While the benefits of PPE are clear, many companies still struggle with ensuring consistent and correct usage.
Common issues include employee resistance, discomfort caused by poorly fitted gear, and limited training on how to properly use protective equipment.
These challenges can undermine safety programs and leave workers vulnerable to preventable injuries.
Addressing them requires more than just handing out PPE—it involves creating a culture where safety is prioritized, workers feel supported, and protective equipment is practical for daily use.
1. Employee Resistance to Wearing PPE
One of the most frequent challenges is employee resistance. Some workers may feel PPE slows them down, is unnecessary, or doesn’t apply to their specific task. This mindset can lead to unsafe practices and higher accident risks.
The solution lies in education and communication—regular safety meetings, sharing real incident examples, and involving employees in PPE decisions help build trust and buy-in. When workers understand how PPE protects them, they’re more likely to comply.
2. PPE Discomfort or Improper Fit
Discomfort is another major barrier, with many workers citing issues like tight helmets, gloves that restrict movement, or masks that cause breathing difficulty.
Poorly fitted PPE not only discourages use but also reduces effectiveness.
Employers can address this by investing in ergonomic, adjustable, and breathable designs that prioritize comfort as well as safety.
Providing a variety of options in different sizes ensures workers can find gear that suits their needs, encouraging consistent use.
3. Lack of Proper Training on PPE Use
Even when PPE is available, it often goes unused or is worn incorrectly due to a lack of PPE training. Workers may not know how to adjust their gear properly or may underestimate the importance of full compliance.
Regular training sessions, refresher courses, and hands-on demonstrations are essential to close this gap. Clear instructions backed by practical examples help workers feel confident in using their PPE.
Companies that make training part of their ongoing safety culture see higher compliance rates and fewer accidents.
The Future of PPE
The next generation of Personal Protective Equipment is moving beyond traditional helmets, gloves, and masks.
Emerging trends are transforming how workers are protected, making PPE smarter, more sustainable, and better suited for modern workplace needs.
One of the biggest shifts is toward smart PPE—gear equipped with sensors that can track worker movements, detect exposure to hazardous substances, or monitor fatigue levels in real time.
These innovations give employers valuable data to prevent accidents before they happen and improve response times when risks are detected.
Another growing trend is eco-friendly PPE. With industries under pressure to reduce waste and environmental impact, manufacturers are introducing equipment made from biodegradable or recyclable materials.
Reusable masks, washable gowns, and durable gloves are replacing disposable options in many sectors, offering both cost savings and sustainability benefits.
As the demand for PPE continues to grow across industries like healthcare, construction, and energy, these advancements are setting new standards for safety.
The future of PPE lies in combining protection with technology and sustainability, giving businesses tools that not only keep workers safe but also support long-term workplace efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Personal Protective Equipment has proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce workplace injuries, improve productivity, and meet safety standards.
The statistics covered in this blog highlight both the scale of the PPE market and its direct impact on protecting workers in industries ranging from healthcare to construction.
Challenges such as resistance, discomfort, and lack of training remain, but with the right approach, these barriers can be overcome.
Businesses that take PPE seriously not only avoid costly fines but also create safer, more confident workforces.
With innovations like smart PPE and sustainable designs on the rise, the future of worker protection looks even stronger.
Now is the time for organizations to review their safety programs, invest in the right equipment, and ensure correct usage.
These steps are essential for meeting compliance standards and prioritizing worker well-being while aligning with the latest top PPE statistics.