In August 2021, just over three-fifths (60.5%) of businesses reported that they needed or expected to need PPE to operate in accordance with COVID-19-related public health guidelines, unchanged from May.
Businesses in educational services (91.7%) and in accommodation and food services (87.0%) had the highest demand for PPE. Conversely, businesses in professional, scientific and technical services (39.2%) and in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (34.9%) had the lowest demand.
The distribution of PPE items most demanded by businesses has remained relatively unchanged from May 2021. PPE used when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as well as gloves and face PPE items continued to be most demanded by businesses.
Businesses' needs for personal protective equipment unchanged in August 2021
More businesses concerned about shortages of personal protective equipment
Most businesses are not adopting or using COVID-19 rapid tests
Note to readers
The 15 types of personal protective equipment (PPE) covered by the survey are COVID-19 rapid test kits, disinfectant, disinfectant wipes, disposable gowns, eye goggles, face shields, hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves, non-medical gloves, non-medical masks, respirators, reusable gowns, shoe or boot covers, surgical masks, and thermometers.
This release is based on data from the August 2021 Personal Protective Equipment Survey. This voluntary survey collects information on private sector businesses' supply, demand and inventories of PPE. Results from the August survey were based on responses from 5,509 businesses operating in Canada.
Contact information
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; STATCAN.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.STATCAN@canada.ca).