The global construction worker safety market is forecast to expand significantly over the next decade, with its value projected to rise from US$3.5bn in 2025 to US$7bn by 2035, according to research by Future Market Insights.
This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%, driven by regulatory enforcement, rising safety awareness, and the adoption of advanced protective technologies.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will remain the cornerstone of the industry, accounting for more than 40% of total demand in 2025. Helmets, gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and fall protection gear continue to be indispensable on construction sites. Bulk procurement by major contractors and mandatory compliance with occupational safety laws are expected to sustain this segment’s dominance over the forecast period.
At the same time, technology is reshaping the market. Smart PPE — which integrates sensors, connectivity, and data analytics into protective gear — is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, commanding nearly 39% of the technology share in 2025. These devices enable real-time hazard detection, biometric monitoring, and geolocation tracking, helping prevent accidents and reduce downtime on high-risk projects. Their adoption is expected to accelerate as costs fall and miniaturisation improves, making advanced safety equipment more accessible across both developed and emerging markets.
The market’s expansion can be divided into two distinct phases. From 2025 to 2030, growth will be driven primarily by rising adoption volumes, as more companies equip workers with standardised protective equipment to comply with stricter safety regulations. In the following five years, between 2030 and 2035, growth will increasingly be fuelled by higher-value products, including connected wearables and premium safety solutions that command higher prices.
Major drivers of this trend include rapid infrastructure development, urbanisation, and the global push to reduce occupational injuries. Employers are also placing worker safety at the centre of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, aligning investment in safety solutions with broader corporate responsibility goals.
Industry analysts highlight growing opportunities in smart wearables, integrated safety management platforms, and workforce training programmes. Digital tools such as real-time monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and IoT-enabled helmets are becoming integral to modern construction practices, supporting proactive risk mitigation and improved emergency response.
However, challenges remain. Supply chain constraints for specialised equipment, regulatory compliance requirements, and technical integration issues — such as ensuring device reliability under harsh site conditions — could slow adoption in some markets. Buyers are increasingly favouring suppliers that can provide not only certified equipment but also training, reliable logistics, and post-sale support.
Leading global players include Honeywell, 3M, Ansell, Delta Plus Group, Drägerwerk, DuPont, and MSA Safety, all of which are investing heavily in product innovation and ergonomic design. Their strategies emphasise durability, comfort, and compatibility with digital monitoring systems to encourage consistent use by workers.
With construction activity intensifying worldwide and safety frameworks evolving, the outlook for the sector is strong. As one of the report’s key findings notes, the integration of traditional PPE with smart, connected technologies is expected to define the next phase of growth, ensuring that worker protection keeps pace with the scale and complexity of global construction projects.
