AMA Research has published a new report covering the health and safety products used in non-domestic applications. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the different product sectors (personal protective equipment, hygiene products, first aid products and safety signs). Reviews of the supply and distribution channels are provided.

The market for health and safety products in non-domestic applications is a mature market that is heavily reliant on a wide customer base in all industries and replacement product purchases. The market experienced relatively steady growth to 2008 with periods of above average growth. The health of the market is influenced by arrange of factors including regulations, employment numbers, housebuilding, non-domestic construction and manufacturing levels as well as consumer visiting to retail outlets and entertainment & leisure establishments. As a consequence, the market was impacted by the recession in 2009, but recovered in 2010 to reach an estimated market size of £697m at manufacturers’ selling prices. The market is forecast to continue growing to 2015.

The market comprises personal protection equipment (PPE), hygiene products, first aid products and safety signs. The former two product sectors dominate the market, accounting for an estimated 44% and 43% share respectively. PPE comprises head protection (head, eye, face, hearing and respiratory products) and body protection (clothing, gloves, safety footwear and fall protection equipment). Clothing and footwear dominate the sector accounting for just under half of the market value. This sector held up better during the recession than the other health & safety sectors. The hygiene products sector benefits from the increased priority placed on cleanliness and hygiene, particularly in industries such as the health and food industries. Following the economic downturn, this was the first sector to recover as stocks that had been run down during the recession, needed replacing. First aid products have a high level of penetration within the work place and the sector is therefore highly dependent on replacement purchases. This sector accounts for around a tenth of the market, with the remaining share being attributed to the safety sign sector. This sector was significantly impacted by the recession due to the decline in housebuilidng and non-domestic construction as well as a switch by some companies to standard signs from the more expensive tailored signs.

Environmental issues remain important in the health & safety sector. Raw material prices are impacting on the market, in particular the cost of cotton, polyester, oil and latex as well as increasing fuel and energy costs.

The manufacturing supply structure of the health and safety products market is highly fragmented, due in large part to the specialised nature of the different sectors. The distribution market is dominated by the industrial products distributors and health & safety specialists.