Above the Waist PPE Market: By Product (Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Protection, Hand Protection), By End-Use (Construction, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Food, Pharmaceuticals, Transportation, Mining, Others), By Distribution Channel (Retail, Industrial MRO), and Geography

Above The Waist PPE Market was valued at USD 27,152.5 million in 2023 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over 2024-2030. Above the waist personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to the protective gear and equipment worn above the waist that protects against numerous risks in the workplace or other places by covering the top part of the body, including the head, face, neck, and chest. Depending on the kind of dangers being addressed, different above-the-waist PPE are used. The enforcement of stringent regulations and safety standards by government agencies and industry bodies to invest in quality above-the-waist protective gear to protect workers and avoid penalties drives the above-the-waist PPE market. Furthermore, owing to the growth of the healthcare industry and continued research, development, and clinical testing to stop the spread of the virus, the sector experienced a major boost in product demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to NAG, in a report titled, “The supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.”, an estimated 32bn Number of PPE items were procured to manage COVID-19 from February to July 2020 along with £146 million value of personal protective equipment (PPE) ordered by NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts in 2019.

Additionally, in the healthcare sector, the development of specialized above-the-waist PPE, such as advanced face shields and respiratory protection has created opportunities for manufacturers to develop novel materials and ergonomic designs that enhance the usability and comfort of above-the-waist PPE, enhancing worker appeal and compliance. Moreover, a developing trend is the incorporation of sensors, networking, and data analytics into PPE worn above the waist makes it possible to monitor the health and safety of employees in real time, improving overall workplace security. However, the high cost of high-quality above-the-waist PPE can be a hurdle, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) or sectors with slim profit margins. However, increased awareness towards worker safety at the workplace, rising government initiatives and investments in the health sector, industrialization, increased population, and increased health awareness among individuals are anticipated to burgeon the market growth during the forecast years.

Above The Waist PPE Market Key Developments:

• In January 2022, Kimberly-Clark introduced new nitrile gloves for research and production facilities, life sciences, and non-sterile drug manufacturing applications.
• In April 2021, Hellberg a renowned hi-spec PPE including advanced hearing protection products, face protection, and communication solutions launched a new range of safety eyewear that provides complete protection, and comfort throughout the working day and can be easily combined with other PPE including ear defenders, safety helmets, and visors.