North America has a history of well-structured safety regulations and standards, primarily dictated by OSHA in the United States and the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Under the current administration, OSHA has planned to significantly increase its enforcement efforts. Efforts have increased to draft new standards and update existing standards, which is expected to fuel the market for workplace safety products.

OSHA's efforts have ensured that in spite of the economic crisis, the focus on workplace protection and safety does not diminish. Employers are aware that the cost of an injury or a citation or fine is much higher than the cost of providing hand protection to employees.

Employers that invest consistently in safety tend to have lower insurance payments and absenteeism, higher productivity and employee morale, and a positive brand image. As illnesses, injuries, and fatalities decline, healthcare costs and workers' compensation costs decline as well. Although end users are highly aware of the need for hand protection, they are still less likely to wear a glove if it impedes their work efficiency or if it is uncomfortable. Customers have become more sophisticated in their expectations and requirements.
The focus of manufacturers is to develop technologies and materials that will improve fit, function, and style. In this mature market, innovation is an important factor that will allow a manufacturer to thrive. End users are more willing to switch to a better-performing glove. With this in mind, companies are increasingly upgrading their protection levels by choosing gloves manufactured with newer materials, but these gloves frequently cost more.

Report Scope

The North American industrial hand protection market includes mechanical, chemical, thermal and special protection gloves. The special protection gloves segment has been further divided into four subsegments, namely, anti-vibration, anti-syringe, electrical insulation and critical environment. The important factors that drive and restrain growth in the market have been assessed. Competitive scenario, product prices and the raw materials used for construction of gloves have been discussed. Detailed revenue forecasts and market share analyses are given for each product type and the total market. The revenue contribution of regions (the United States and Canada) and various types of products in total market has been provided.