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Protective Face Mask Market To Hit US$ 25.78 Billion By 2032

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Global Trade Daily, Market insight

Protective Face Mask Market To Hit US$ 25.78 Billion By 2032

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As per Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global market in protective face masks is USD 10.79 Billion in 2022. The market is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 9.1% in the forecast period. The market is estimated to surpass a value of USD 25.78 Billion by end of 2032.

The rising awareness regarding the health and safety of employees working in the manufacturing industry has increased and many protective measures are being adopted. Rising concerns regarding proper protective equipment such as protective face masks for workers in several industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, mining, agriculture, and construction, are expected to create growth opportunities for the market.

The high cost of face masks, as well as the lack of awareness regarding the usage of face masks in undeveloped economies, are factors expected to hamper the growth of the market. These masks are majorly demanded in chemical and mining industries owing to the high need for protection.

These masks are beneficial in protecting wearers’ faces and avoiding contaminated minerals and biological items which otherwise may enter the body. The recent pandemic of Covid-19 has generated significant awareness about these masks and expected to remain in demand for the forecast period.

Regional Outlook

North America & Europe are expected to be the leading regional markets for face masks during the forecast period. Emerging economies such as India and China in the Asia Pacific are expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing usage of protective face masks in the chemical & healthcare industries. Brazil is likely to be a possible large market for face masks in upcoming years owing to high disposable income in this region.

Asia Pacific market is expected to grow rapidly as the adoption of these masks has increased owing to rising pollution. The countries like India and China are major marketplaces for these masks. Asia Pacific is one of the dominant regions for hospitals as these regions are highly populated and owe major demand for hospital supply and lucrative opportunities for manufacturers.

Competitive Landscape

The industry has intensified competition as there are many competitors in the market. These companies are consistently investing in product research and technological upgradation in order to speed up production and save labor costs. Innovation, collaboration, and expansion are key tactics used by these firms to maintain a market edge over other firms.

Manufacturers have focused on technological innovation and trying to meet local and international standards in mask formation. The major players in this market benefitted from the development of automotive parts owing to cost-effectiveness. These firms are enhancing precision levels with the adoption of needed technology and it is expected to increase the commercialization of these tools in the forecast period.

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Archives, Commentary, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

Invisible Safety: How What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

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COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace have revealed the importance of protecting and maintaining the health and wellness of employees. From social distancing to HVAC upgrades, factories have implemented strict protocols to stop the spread of the COV2 virus.  

If you walk into any manufacturing facility in North America, the first thing that you will see are signs related to safety. That’s because factories and assembly plants often have dangerous equipment and machinery, and even a minor lapse can have serious – or even life-threatening – consequences. Employers want to keep their team members safe, and they also know that the legal and financial risks of failing to maintain rigid safety standards can be devastating at a business level. But thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest threats to safety can’t be seen at all: the air we breathe. Forward-thinking assembly companies need to factor this in when they evaluate their protocols for keeping their employees healthy and safe. And in many cases, existing HVAC systems aren’t up to the task.

There was a lot we didn’t know about the novel coronavirus when it first reached North America in March 2020, but over the last year and a half we have learned a great deal. As it turns out, the risk of disease transmission through surface contact is fairly minimal, as is the likelihood of an outdoor super spreader event – but more than 99% of COVID-19 cases can be traced back to events held in indoor spaces with poor ventilation and filtration. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued so many guidelines on how companies can keep their facilities safe. One of their biggest recommendations is for companies to improve ventilation to reduce the risk of people getting sick. 

That’s easier said than done. The best way to improve ventilation is to open windows and circulate fresh air. Unfortunately, many buildings, especially assembly facilities, have self-contained ecosystems to protect the quality of the items that are being put together. After all, letting free-floating particles into a building where microchips or electronic components are being put together is a recipe for disaster. What works during “normal” times to maintain product integrity may actually be harming the workers who are unable to breathe air from the outside. 

Despite some misinformation from the early days of the pandemic, HVAC systems are not responsible for the spread of pathogens. That’s the good news. On the other side of the coin, many of these systems don’t circulate enough air to maximize the safety of people inside the facilities that rely on them to maintain appropriate levels of humidity and temperature. Replacing entire heating and ventilation systems is expensive and time-consuming. So what options do operators of assembly facilities have to maintain employee health without jeopardizing their operations? 

The answer is supplementary air systems, which actually top the list of CDC recommendations for maintaining the safety of indoor spaces where natural ventilation is impossible. These devices come in many sizes, and can be used to filter air in small facilities as well as buildings with several million square feet of floor space. Regardless of how big a facility is, the principle is the same: air needs to be circulated and properly filtered to remove potentially dangerous microbes from the environment. Existing HVAC systems actually do a pretty good job, but they simply don’t move enough air to be effective, especially in an era defined by an airborne virus that has already killed more than half a million Americans. 

Clearly, this is something that needs to be taken seriously by companies in the manufacturing space. But this isn’t just a short term solution. While many people were optimistic that rising vaccination rates and social distancing rules would lead to the end of the coronavirus pandemic this fall, there is still plenty of reason for concern. That’s because in many parts of the country vaccination rates remain very low, and new variants, including Delta, are proving to be much more of a problem than doctors initially anticipated. Despite the many heroic advances in medicine over the last 18 months, the reality seems to be that we will be dealing with the long-tail effect of COVID-19 for years, or even decades, to come. 

It has been a century since the last major viral epidemic caused this much damage, but most health experts agree that the next pandemic will happen long before the year 2120. In fact, there is a high probability of a similar event occurring in the next 25 years. With that in mind, operators of assembly facilities not only need to get through the current pandemic, but also prepare for the next one. Maintaining air quality should be at the top of their list as they plan for an uncertain future. 

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Marshal Sterio is the CEO of Surgically Clean Air Inc., a Toronto-based manufacturer of portable systems that purify air by supplementing existing HVAC systems. The company’s products are market leaders in dental practices, currently protects over 50,000 dental professionals, and are used by Fortune 500 companies, Major League Baseball clubs, the NBA, the NHL and thousands of other organizations. 

Security
Archives, Global Trade Daily, Software

An Exploration of Emerging Technologies for Facility Security

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Safety is a critical consideration for any workplace. Every business is subject to some amount of risk, and without proper precautions, companies could endanger employees or hinder their focus. While workplace safety isn’t a new concern, it is particularly prominent at the moment.

A 2020 poll revealed that only 65% of American workers feel completely satisfied with their physical safety at work. That figure is down 74% from the previous year and the lowest it’s been since 2001. Facilities must become more secure, and thankfully, new technologies provide a way forward.

While cybersecurity may get more press in conversations about security technology, recent advancements have pushed physical safety further, too. Here’s a closer look at some of the emerging technologies for facility security.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most disruptive technologies across industries today. As of 2020, 50% of surveyed companies had implemented AI. While its most popular use cases are in optimizing business processes or automating routine tasks, it has significant potential in security.

Machine vision algorithms can scan CCTV footage to recognize when someone is carrying a weapon. They can then instantly alert security staff or other employees, enabling quick, effective action. Since AI typically works far faster than manual processes, its speed could potentially save lives.

Similarly, AI could analyze audio signals to detect nearby threats. Studies suggest that people report only 20% of heard gunfire, mostly from being unsure of the noise’s source. AI could recognize these threats faster and more accurately, leading to timelier warnings and emergency calls.

IoT

Another emerging technology that has seen use cases far beyond security is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT sensors’ ability to gather and send information in real-time makes them an indispensable facility safety tool. These sensors can virtually extend security staff’s reach, letting them monitor areas without traveling to them.

Even implementing IoT connectivity in everyday objects can improve facility security. For example, IoT-connected smoke detectors could send alerts to employees’ phones when they detect a fire in the building. These devices could then connect to a facility’s smart locks, opening safe passages while blocking compromised areas.

IoT connectivity can also improve workplace safety through predictive maintenance. These systems can make predictions about needed upkeep 20% faster and with higher accuracy than traditional means. Facilities can use this to keep gates and other security systems in optimal condition.

Drones

Compared to AI and the IoT, drone technology hasn’t experienced widespread adoption among businesses. Most commercial applications are in research, but they’re seeing increasing use as security tools, too. Like IoT sensors, drones let security teams monitor areas remotely, with the added advantage of omnidirectional mobility.

Facilities can use drones to get a bird’s-eye view of the property, potentially spotting things they may otherwise miss. Drones’ maneuverability can give teams access to areas that would be inconvenient or unsafe for workers to reach, too. Since flying is faster than walking, they make surveying a facility more efficient as well as more thorough.

Autonomous Robots

Some facilities have moved beyond remote-controlled drones to implement autonomous security robots. While these solutions carry higher upfront costs than traditional drones, they push their productivity benefits further. Without the need to control a robot, security teams can focus on other duties as these machines patrol, accomplishing more without extra staff.

Autonomous security robots may sound like a distant goal, but they’re already in use. LaGuardia Airport deployed robotic security guards in 2018, becoming the first major American airport to do so.

Security robots often feature capabilities beyond recording footage and sensing potential threats. Some have built-in facial recognition technology to identify known or wanted criminals, alerting security staff when they find them. Others can communicate with employees or visitors to help them navigate safely through the facility.

Disguised Barriers

Not every emerging security technology is as eye-catching as a robot, and sometimes, that’s by design. Such is the case with disguised barriers, which look like ordinary furnishings but protect buildings from vehicle-related accidents. These solutions keep employees, property and visitors safe without compromising a business’s curb appeal.

New technologies let companies construct robust protective barriers in unassuming shapes and sizes. As a result, a structure that looks like an ordinary flower planter can stop a 7.5 metric ton vehicle moving at 40 mph. The strength of these barriers ensures everyone inside is safe, while their design improves morale and attracts customers.

Traditional crash barriers may appear intimidating or overly industrial. These structures could drive customers away or make the workplace feel less comfortable, lowering morale. Disguised barriers remove these negative side effects while maintaining protection.

Innovative Materials

Novel construction materials are one of the innovations behind disguised barriers, but that’s not their only use case. Newly discovered or lab-grown materials can offer far more strength in a lighter or more flexible package. For example, graphene is so strong that if it coated a spider’s web, it could catch a falling plane without breaking.

These materials vastly improve the resilience of gates, barriers and other protective measures. Similarly, flexible options like graphene can form protective clothing for security guards or other workers who may encounter physical hazards. As research in this area continues, materials will keep getting stronger and lighter simultaneously.

Biometrics

Biometric security isn’t necessarily new, but new technologies are pushing it forward. Fingerprint scanners have become far more affordable and reliable than they used to be, letting many facilities replace outdated keycard systems. Physical biometrics themselves are no longer the peak of access security as behavioral biometrics gains traction.

Biometrics identify patterns in human behavior to distinguish between people. While most of these systems analyze computer use patterns like keystrokes, some can measure physical behaviors like someone’s gait or speech. These actions are harder for someone to fake, protecting restricted access areas from fraud.

Behavioral biometrics hasn’t seen much use in physical security yet, but as technology develops, it could. These systems can bolster traditional methods like passcodes and keycards to maintain a high bar for security.

New Technology Can Make Facilities More Secure

Every workplace has hazards, whether people realize it or not. As criminals’ methods become more sophisticated, so too must the security systems that stop them. These new technologies represent the latest in safety innovation.

Many of these technologies are still in their early stages, but they’re growing quickly. Before long, they could define modern security, making workplaces safer in the face of rising threats.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Special Reports

5 Crucial Safety Solutions to Keep Your Employees Safe in Any Tier Lockdown

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The tier system that was introduced to apply Covid restrictions clearly lines out what we can, and cannot do. What stays open, and who has to close up shop. But what it doesn’t tell us, is how we can keep our employees safe, no matter what tier the UK will be locked down under. Mike Jordan, CEO of Summit Defence, has put together a list of 5 crucial solutions that can assure ultimate safety on the work floor for you and your employees.

1. Keeping distance

One of the first rules that came into effect when the pandemic kicked off is the social distancing measures. These can and need to, be applied in a working environment as well. This can be done by coordinating tasks very specifically for each individual, creating a space within the business that’s theirs to perform their work in, whilst eliminating as much contact and crossover with others as much as possible. Mark things with tape, stickers and demarcate using perspex shields.

2. Planning is essential

Another way of preventing paths from being crossed too often is to keep tight planning of shifts by setting up working teams to limit the number of people your employees get in contact with. Keep a record of who works when and alongside which other employees for Test & Trace purposes. Also, allow enough time in between shifts for workstations and equipment to be cleaned and properly disinfected so the next shift can make a safe and swift start of their day.

3. Hygiene should be a top priority

Whilst this should go without saying, it is important to keep everything as sterile as possible. We touch more things, more often, than we are aware of. Limiting this is of course not ideal, so ensuring employees have the opportunity to sanitize their hands frequently and easily by setting up cleaning stations and keeping the need for contact to a limited number of people is a great way to minimize transmission of germs.

4. Provide safe facilities and tools

The same hygiene protocols go for facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and lockers. Ensure they are cleaned after every shift change whilst having users practice social distancing much as possible. Regulate the cleaning of vehicles, equipment, tools, boxes, etcetera. Don’t compromise on the convenience and necessities of facilities for your staff by keeping things running smoothly whilst ensuring everything is safe and clean to use.

5. Strict management of contacts

Aim to minimize outside visits into your business facility. This goes for everything from business meetings to deliveries and customers. Let employees work from home where possible, and encourage any meetings or visits to take place via a digital meeting. If in-person visits are necessary, try to limit them whilst keeping a record of everyone that comes in and have them utilize the cleaning stations upon arrival and throughout their stay.

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Mike Jordan, Managing Director at Summit Defence has over 30 years in the plastics industry, running a business since 1990. Recently he’s designed a unique flexible protective screen in light of the COVID crisis, producing and delivering thousands of screens to the NHS, schools, clubs and offices across the UK.

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Archives, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

Warehouse Safety Guidelines

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To the uninitiated, a warehouse might appear to be less hazardous than a factory or mill. Yet just because there is no manufacturing activity going on inside doesn’t mean there isn’t potential for danger. Forklifts and other heavy equipment are used frequently for moving goods. Chemicals and dangerous materials may be kept in storage. Simply put, safety is just as important in the warehouse as it is in any other industrial environment. Accidents and other incidents can lead to lost productivity, expensive cleanup and even legal troubles. This is why creating a culture that encourages and rewards safe behavior is essential for a warehouse facility.

Everyone bears some of the responsibility for keeping the workplace safe. From the front office to the workers on the floor, proper protocols and procedures must be among the top priorities for everyone. Owners and managers especially must be aware of what they should do to protect their staff’s health and well-being. This includes everything from creating an incentive program to installing the appropriate signage around the building. Getting employees at every level to take an active role in promoting safety is another critical strategy.

For these and many other important recommendations, refer to the accompanying guide.

Warehouse Safety Guidelines from Enviro Tech

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Colton Mandell oversees internal operations and customer service for Enviro Tech. Enviro Tech is a top supplier of stabilized n-propyl bromide and fluorinated solvents for industrial parts cleaning applications. He has four years of experience in the industry and focuses on providing quality, customer-centric service.

Archives, Commentary, Global Trade Daily

3 Steps Companies Can Take To Improve Mental Health In The Workplace

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Sick days among workers are commonly associated with physical ailments, but mental health issues also account for frequent absences. A report from the 2018 Mental Health in the Workplace Summit showed that more people miss work due to stress and anxiety than for physical illness or injury.
Dealing with mental health can be a delicate issue for both employers and employees. Some think it carries a stigma, thus employees may attempt to hide their problem. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that less than half of American adult workers felt their companies supported the well-being of their employees.
Yet more companies, cognizant of productivity and cost issues associated with employee absences, are starting to implement mental health initiatives as part of their workplace wellness programs.
“Employees try to hide what they’re going through because they fear the negative consequences of being discovered. And these fears are justified,” says Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio (www.greengateleadership.com), formerly Vice President, Health and Wellness, at Prudential and founder of GreenGate Leadership®. “Many otherwise capable managers become very uncomfortable when they hear one of their team members mention words like stress, anxiety, and depression.
 “Forward-thinking employers are implementing initiatives that break stigma and improve access to effective care. They recognize the role of leaders at all levels in creating positive, respectful, health-promoting work environments. As has often been said, culture trumps strategy every time. An employer can have all the right policies in place, but it’s the culture that either brings these to life or makes them a joke.”
Dolan-Del Vecchio’s tips for employers:
Break the stigma. Studies indicate one in five American adults experience a form of mental illness. “Like most health conditions, these are most effectively treated when identified early,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “Stigma causes many who suffer to deny their need for care and, therefore, delay seeking it. Senior execs are in the best position to break the stigma. They can share their personal story if they live with a mental health condition, talk about how they have supported others, and sincerely encourage their employees to get the care they deserve.”
Improve access to effective care. “Hold your benefits provider system accountable for effective care delivery,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says. “Take a searching and fearless look at how well your organization’s mental health benefits actually serve those in need. You do that by creating an anonymous feedback mechanism for your employees and their family members. Sadly, I can almost guarantee that the results will show need for significant improvement.”
Train leaders. “Stress,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says, “is the enemy of health and sustained productivity. More than any other factor, our immediate supervisor creates the culture of our workplace. When leaders at every organizational level treat those who report to them with an attitude of caring and respect, including respect for initiative, autonomy, diversity, and reasonable limits when it comes to productivity, the best organizational results will follow.”
“It’s in everyone’s best interest for employers to fight the stigma linked to mental health issues, ensure medical benefit partners are delivering on their promises, and make sure leaders of people are up to the task,” Dolan-Del Vecchio says.
About Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio
Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio (www.greengateleadership.com) is an author, speaker, family therapist, and leadership and life skills consultant. His books include Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents, The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice From Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups andMaking Love: Playing Power: Men, Women, and the Rewards of Intimate Justice. Ken founded GreenGate Leadership® after retiring from his role as Vice President, Health and Wellness, at Prudential, where he was responsible for behavioral health services for the company’s 20,000 U.S. Employees. Ken’s team’s work led Prudential to receive the American Psychological Association’s 2017 Organizational Excellence Award. Ken is a monthly NBC TV affiliate on-air guest and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Ignites, Entrepreneur, Fox Business News, The Chicago Tribune, Inc. Magazine, Working Mother, HR Executive and other media. In 2016 Ken was named Corporate Leader of the Year by the National Alliance of Mental Illness’ New York City-metro chapter.

 

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

BYD Improves Quality and Safety Team with New Leadership

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Robert Matute and Peter Hale are the newest names to join the Build Your Dreams Lancaster, California manufacturing team, according to an announcement from the battery and battery-electric vehicle pioneer company, also known for its critical zero-emission initiatives in the region.

“The appointment of world-class quality control and safety experts like Peter Hale and Robert Matute to our team are additional catalysts in our leadership advancement of this innovative and disruptive market,” said Stella Li, President of BYD North America. “We are committed to the highest quality products and experience for our customers as a total solutions provider, and the ongoing, safe workplace for our team.”

Peter Hale brings with him over 35 years of overseas and U.S.  public transit and private sector bus manufacturing experience. He will step into the new role as Quality Assurance/Quality Control  Manager and oversee BYD’s Quality Management System. A few of the tasks assigned in this position include verifying conformance to customer, internal, ISO 9001, and regulatory/legal requirements, inspection of incoming materials,  monitoring, measurement, and review of internal processes.

“Following a lifelong career in the bus transit industry, it would be normal to stand down and reflect on the career experiences that have taken me around the world,” says Hale. “But, I have been an admirer of BYD since their early days, and the innovation level is so exciting. So applying my technical and industry knowledge to their team is one more piece of my journey, and in the evolution of this technology. I am proud to lead a 40-person strong team of quality engineers and inspectors dedicated to keep BYD advancing and at the top of the industry.”

Robert Matute will evolve into his new role as Safety Manager with  over 20 years of experience of safety management experience in assessing, designing and implementing safety guidelines. In his most recent role as Safety Project Coordinator, Matute worked to spearheaded the coordination for training of workers on safety law and regulations, conducted job site safety inspections, and managed safety documentation for the Nevell Group.

“My goal is to achieve sustainable, best-in-class, safety performance,” Matute said. “We do this by building a strong unified leadership safety culture that engages and empowers employees at all levels to take ownership in reducing unsafe acts and exposure to accidents and injuries. Our actions and behaviors demonstrate that safety is a core value.”

Source: BYD