Who Pays for Safety? How Surveys Reveal Gaps in Workwear Responsibility

Protective workwear is a fundamental part of safety in construction, agriculture, and industrial environments. Yet a LECTURA survey uncovered a surprising—and concerning—trend: 51% of workers buy their own PPE, and most rate their gear as only “somewhat protective.”

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This finding raises an important question: Who is truly responsible for ensuring workers are protected—the companies they work for, or the workers themselves? Survey insights help uncover how this responsibility is currently shared, how it is perceived, and where gaps may be putting people at risk.

Workers pay, but not always by choice

Many respondents indicated they purchase their own safety gear due to:

• Inconsistent employer provisioning

• Lack of clear PPE policies

• Preference for specific brands or fits

• Perception that employer-provided gear is lower quality

While some workers prefer choosing their own equipment, others buy PPE simply because they feel they cannot rely on employer supply. This creates disparities in safety standards—even within the same jobsite.

Perceived protection levels remain modest

On average, respondents rated their workwear’s protection as 4.97 out of 7. This suggests that even workers investing in their own gear do not feel fully protected. The gap between perceived and actual protection can lead to preventable risks, especially in high-hazard sectors.

A market led by a few brands

Survey data also showed significant concentration in brand preference. One major workwear brand held 46% global share among respondents, while most competitors scored between 1–3%.

This concentration reflects the importance of familiarity and trust in PPE decisions. Workers gravitate toward brands they believe have proven reliability, even if alternatives may offer comparable protection.

What companies can learn from this behavior

For employers, safety managers, and procurement teams, the survey highlights several insights:

• Employees may not feel adequately equipped when PPE supply is inconsistent.

• Safety compliance can vary widely depending on who purchases the gear.

• Workers prioritize trust and familiarity, sometimes more than technical specifications.

• The perception of “somewhat protective” PPE suggests communication gaps about proper standards.

These findings indicate that improving PPE strategy requires more than providing equipment—it requires understanding how workers view their own safety needs.

How manufacturers can use these insights

For PPE and workwear brands, survey data reveals where market opportunities lie:

• Increasing visibility in underserved regions

• Improving communication around protection levels

• Understanding unmet needs in fit, durability, or comfort

• Strengthening employer outreach and procurement partnerships

Brand perception heavily influences purchasing behavior, meaning that trust-building efforts can shift market share even in highly consolidated segments.

A global perspective on workplace safety

With access to 1.1 million professionals worldwide, LECTURA Surveys provide a representative view of PPE expectations across industries and regions. Results can be segmented by role, sector, or company size to uncover whether responsibility gaps differ between contractors, large enterprises, and small businesses.

The takeaway

When half of workers are buying their own PPE—and still feel only moderately protected—it signals a need for clearer policies, better communication, and stronger alignment between employers and workers.

Survey insights help companies identify these gaps before they turn into safety risks. Because in any workplace, protection shouldn’t depend on who pays for it.

⭐ Would you like to know more?
Visit the survey website or Send us an email at survey@lectura.de