Research highlights relationship between PPE and industrial automation

A recent market report has suggested key areas where PPE (person protective equipment) needs to focus, in the face of technological advances in the workplace.

The study, issued by Research and Markets, has said that the key area of growth for PPE relating to automation throughout every industrial sector will demand increasingly compliant clothing.

The main focus, however, will be to improve the safety of the machines being used, for the operative working with them. The overall environment of facilities will also be key to worker safety, with automation constantly running the risk of complacency in the workplace.

This rising awareness coming out of the progression of automation into industry mainstream will also give greater insight into areas of concern, many of which will be unknown and not researched at this point. It may be likely that greater demands in regards to head protection, safety gloves, safety boots, ear defenders, eye protection and other clothing will be isolated.

Other key findings from the 'Impact of Industrial Automation on the Global Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market' include:

- There will be a low negative impact on the PPE market globally
- The PPE/automation relationship will vary significantly from region to region
- Manufacturing will see the biggest PPE impact followed by transportation & storage
- PPE and regulatory improvements will be led by developed economies

The report assessed the impact of industrial automation across construction, manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, power & utilities and transportation & storage.