The Hardware Merchant Wholesalers industry is experiencing greater than average employment growth as of late. In 2014 the government estimated a total of 76,982 workers, then just 12 months later it had climbed to 79,862, an increase of 3.74%. With OSHA reported accident rates of less than that of the the Hardware and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers Industry as a whole, things have been relatively safe over the past five years.