Research Overview
Industrial Protective Footwear Manufacturers Provide Value Added Services to Quash Competition
In the intensely competitive U.S. industrial protective footwear markets, average product quality is high, making all but the most specialized products interchangeable. Most manufacturers distinguish themselves by offering superior or unique services. Businesses should focus not only on their services from a maintenance standpoint, but also on the quality of their offerings and aftermarket services. Companies are learning to become more flexible about considering current technological offerings as well as possible industry- or application-specific modifications and customizations. Product innovation will play a key role in a company s success. Many major market participants have also either obtained ISO 9000 certification or are in the process doing so. Widespread industry interest awaits those that are the first to market with a durable, lightweight, slip-resistant, static-dissipative, comfortable, and low-cost boot. This Frost & Sullivan research service looks at the U.S.
markets for industrial protective footwear. The study focuses on the current state of the market, its drivers, restraints, revenue forecasts, future outlook, and strategic recommendations. It enables companies to align their positioning strategies to benefit from the changing markets and obtain maximum return on investment.
Occupational Safety Regulations Mandate Use of Protective Footwear
Regulations have played a key role in influencing the demand for protective footwear in the post 9/11 personal protective equipment (PPE) markets. The PPE standards set by The 1971 Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) for general industry were revised in 1994 to reflect the industry s increased understanding of injury prevention as it relates to new work environments and technological improvements. The revised standards address all facets of PPE, including apparel. They direct employers to choose equipment that meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards or their equivalent. Employers are also required to conduct hazard assessments and train employees in all relevant aspects of PPE and its usage. Clauses in the Code of Federal Regulations Occupational Foot Protection mandate that the employer ensure that each employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a high risk of foot injury due to falling or rolling matter, objects
piercing the sole, or electrical hazards. "There are also specifications relating to metatarsal and toe protection, impact, compression, sole puncture resistance, and static dissipation," says the analyst of this research service. "Having these standards in place as well as the means to enforce them is likely to continue to drive and guide protective footwear usage."
Continuous Demand from Service Sector Industries to Expand the Market Steadily
The $65.4 million industrial protective footwear market is likely to grow steadily in future. Demand is expected from the growing service sector industries including restaurants and hotels as well as first responders, the military, law enforcement, and others concerned with hazardous materials. The advancements in product materials, design, and construction that are required to supply these industries could drive the market. "The market has been primarily concentrated around industries in which workers need some form of insulation from acids, oils, chemicals, and/or moisture," notes the analyst. "These have traditionally included red meat and poultry processing as well as agricultural, chemical, and petrochemical applications." Footwear suppliers believe that the safety footwear markets need to be invigorated by stimulus from new applications and industries, rather than expansion within the old. | 
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