The biggest safety equipment manufacturers in Canada

There are many safety equipment manufacturers in the world, dominating the market. Knowing which of these manufacturers are the best-selling in their respective categories can be useful, since their PPE products are deemed good choices that meet safety standards.  

The Canadian market for PPEs is no exception, having several large top-performing manufacturers of its own. Knowing the top safety equipment manufacturers in Canada that do well in terms of sales can guide safety managers and purchasing officers to make informed decisions.  

When it comes to choosing personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workforce, going for the most reputable names that make a wide range of protective gear is a sound strategy. Due to the vast number of manufacturers even in the Canadian market alone, selecting the right one for your workplace needs can be a daunting task.  

As a safety manager or purchasing manager, you cannot waste time in finding the right safety equipment to outfit your workforce or replace old and worn equipment, hence this article. Let this guide serve as your safety equipment manufacturers list and help you make informed decisions when procuring PPEs. 

What are the top safety equipment manufacturers in Canada? 

There are a few big names in manufacturing safety products in Canada today. These key manufacturers create a diverse product mix apart from PPEs; they also make hazard detection devices and other safety management solutions. The top safety equipment manufacturers in the country include:   

1. Honeywell International Inc. 

Honeywell is renowned for producing PPEs like industrial safety gloves, respiratory protection, and gas detection equipment for worksites.    

2. Lakeland Industries Inc.  

This safety equipment manufacturer specializes in protective clothing for hazardous environments. They also offer advanced solutions for protecting workers in various industries.    

3. DuPont de Nemours Inc. 

Ironically, this American manufacturer behind famous products like Teflon, Lycra, Dacron, and Mylar once produced gunpowder and other explosives. Today, it’s one of the largest safety equipment manufacturers globally. It manufactures thermal and chemical protection products.    

4. 3M Co. 

Another American conglomerate, 3M is a global leader in safety equipment and is also a big player in Canada. It is well-known for producing superior respiratory protection and hearing protection products.    

5. Ansell Ltd.  

Ansell is focused on glove and hand protection solutions, which shows how they specialize in safeguarding services across different industries. They are poised to have an even bigger presence in the safety gloves segment with its recent acquisition of the PPE business of Kimberly-Clark.    

6. Avon Technologies PLC 

Not to be confused nor thought to be affiliated with the famous company that makes beauty products, Avon Technologies is a British company specializing in respiratory equipment. They make respirators for firefighting personnel, military, and law enforcement applications. They also produce ballistic helmets.     

7. MSA Safety Inc. 

This global safety equipment manufacturer offers a comprehensive portfolio of safety products. They make PPEs and advanced detection devices for the oil and gas, utilities, firefighting, and construction industries worldwide.   

Here’s a look at the latest revenues of each of the biggest safety equipment manufacturers in Canada:  

Top 7 safety equipment manufacturers in Canada based on annual revenue 

Note that only all figures are based on the latest 2024 data from this website, except for 3M. The company’s data are based on its latest annual financial report.  The figures available are in USD. 

The role of safety equipment in Canadian industries 

There are many good reasons why safety equipment or PPE is crucial in Canadian companies and industries. Most importantly, PPEs protect workers from various potential hazards in the workplace.    

The importance and value of safety equipment  

Even casual observers will say that many industrial worksites are rife with hazards. These worksites and industries are also full of risks of injuries from typically preventable accidents. Hence, the need for all sorts of safety equipment. Apart from protecting workers, having the proper safety equipment offers these benefits:  

• minimizes the risks of injuries and illnesses in the workplace 

• provides a protective barrier for employees against physical, chemical, electrical, biological and other risks 

• lowers workplace incidents 

• minimize or avoid costs that may arise from incidents like medical bills, penalties, or legal fees 

• minimize costs or lost revenues resulting from operational downtime 

• create or enhance a positive industry reputation for the company 

• make employees feel safe 

• improve employee morale 

Types of safety equipment 

There are many kinds of safety equipment that’s used in various industries across Canada. The various types of PPEs reflect the diversity of hazards in each work environment. The most common categories of PPEs include:  

1. head protection – this includes helmets and hard hats that protect against overhead falling objects and debris or accidental impact.  

2. eye and face protection – safety glasses, safety goggles, and face shields fall under this category. These are PPEs designed to protect workers’ eyes from flying objects or particles, chemical splashes, and severe impact.  

3. hearing protection – this includes earplugs and earmuffs that dampen loud sounds and lower the risk of noise-induced hearing loss or hearing damage.   

4. respiratory protection –  respirators and face masks are under this category and are meant to protect workers from inhaling airborne contaminants. These can include toxic fumes or gases, hazardous chemicals, and dangerous dust or particulate matter that can cause respiratory illnesses.  

5. hand protection – safety gloves that are cut-resistant, and special gauntlets and sleeves that protect workers’ hands comprise this category. These PPEs are invaluable in protecting hands from cuts, punctures, impact forces, and chemical or biological spills.  

Overview of the safety equipment manufacturing industry in Canada 

The safety equipment market in Canada is comprised of a wide array of safety products designed to protect individuals from various occupational or general hazards. 

According to recent studies, the revenue from the PPE equipment market in Canada is projected to reach $6.395 billion by 2030. From 2023 to 2030, the PPE market in Canada is expected to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.  

The increasing regulations and growing awareness about the importance and benefits of a safe work environment are behind the strong demand for PPEs in Canada.  

Safety standards governing PPEs and safety equipment in Canada 

For rules, regulations, and standards on PPEs and other safety equipment, Canada mainly relies on: 

• Canadian Standards Association (CSA) 
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) 
• Canadian Labour Code 

However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also plays a significant role in the regulation of PPEs and safety equipment in the country. If your industry operates on both sides of the US-Canada border, it’s very likely you will have to choose and procure your PPEs by referencing both sets of standards. Some important CSA regulations that regulate much of Canada’s PPEs include:  

• CSA Standard Z94.1 - This CSA standard governs industrial protective headgear, aka hardhats. The standard outlines the requirements for performance within acceptable ranges, and proper selection, use, and maintenance.  

• CSA Standard Z94.2 - This helps ensure that hearing protection effectively reduces noise exposure to safe levels. This standard lists the performance criteria, guidelines for selection, proper use, and maintenance.  

• CSA Standard Z94.3 - This is the domain of eye and face protection. This standard sets out the requirements for adequate levels of protection that eye and face protectors should have against chemical splashes, impact forces, and getting set on fire.  

Key features to look for in Canadian safety equipment 

As a safety manager or purchasing manager tasked with maintaining a safe working environment within your company, it’s crucial to know what to consider when procuring the right safety equipment.    

As you work on putting together the safety equipment kit for your workers and choosing the right safety equipment manufacturer, these are the key factors to consider:    

1. Compliance with appropriate safety standards 

Your primary concern should be whether the safety equipment or PPEs meet the industry standards for regulatory compliance. In most cases, PPEs must conform to regulatory bodies like the CSA, but this can vary. It’s not unusual that some pieces of kit use American standards like the ANSI, which can oversee some standards for cut-resistant safety gloves, for instance.    

Any PPEs you procure must be tested and have proof of passing these tests for compliance with established safety standards. This is a must, because in some provinces, local laws and safety regulations can lay down harsh penalties on companies that are amiss with their safety standards.    

2. Fit and comfort of the user 

Purchasing PPEs in accordance with safety standards and regulations would be rendered if these did not have a good fit for the workers who need them. PPEs that fit well will encourage their consistent use and ensure the safety of the wearer.    

For example, respirators need to be checked that they fit the worker perfectly before use. If there is even the smallest leak in the seals, this can expose the worker to hazardous airborne contaminants. An ill-fitting PPE in this case negates its protective features, leaving the worker vulnerable to injuries or illnesses.    

Whenever possible, think of your workers’ comfort also when using these PPEs for long shifts. Adjustable straps, breathable material, sufficient waterproofing, ergonomic design, and other comfort features can ensure worker compliance and adherence to safety protocols.    

3. Versatility and adaptability 

PPEs that can take on multiple roles or purposes can be used across different jobs and work environments. This sort of versatility in your PPEs can boost worker utility and reduce the need for multiple pieces of equipment.    

For instance, safety work boots that have both steel toes and non-slip rubber soles can protect workers’ feet from heavy objects and insulate them against electrical injuries. Versatile PPEs can be very valuable in industries where your staff may change roles or face different types of work hazards.    

4. Durability and ease of maintenance 

The durability of the protective equipment you purchase and issue to workers is another important consideration, as is its ease of keeping it clean and functional. PPEs made from high-quality materials can ensure that they have a long service life.    

Procuring high-quality PPEs can also ensure that they are compliant with safety standards. PPEs made with inferior materials or manufacturing techniques may not deliver on their promised safety features. Worse, workers may even decide not to use them.    

Make it a policy to obtain high-quality, durable PPE only from the best safety equipment manufacturers. Coordinate with a safety professional to ensure that workers are trained to use them properly and maintain them regularly.    

Remember that durable, easily maintained PPEs are less likely to fail when their protective features are needed most.    

5. Vendor reputation and after-sales service 

The reputation of the PPE supplier and how they handle queries, defective items, and other customer concerns are another important consideration. They may also provide warranties and training on the use of PPEs. As much as possible, purchase your PPEs and other safety equipment from established safety equipment manufacturers suppliers and brands.   

6. Cost effectiveness 

Finally, consider the PPE’s cost effectiveness. While you should buy safety equipment that’s within your budget, avoid compromising on quality or safety standards. Remember that investing in quality PPEs provides cost savings in the long run by avoiding work incidents and the cost of constant replacement.    

While the market performance and sales revenues of a particular safety equipment manufacturer influence buying decisions, this should not be the sole basis for choosing a particular brand or product. Safety managers and purchasing managers should practice their due diligence and take the time to check which PPE manufacturer’s products fit their needs, budget, and industry standards best.    

Did you find this guide on safety equipment manufacturers informative or useful? Let us know in the comments.