32 DESIGN
If the shoe ( and clothing ) fits – wear it !
By
Rory Macnamara
As more and more women are being employed in primary industries such as mining , agriculture , construction , and manufacturing , as well as in secondary sectors , safety clothing and footwear for women start becomes a focus in people ’ s minds .
Plumbing Africa spoke to Predahni Naidoo of Sisi Safety Wear , a local manufacturer in KZN , specialising in safety footwear and clothing for women in industry .
Through extensive research and consultation with women on the ground , the company understands the needs for female-specific footwear , clothing , and harnesses .
“ The anatomy of a woman is different in that they typically have broader hips , a more pronounced chest area , a thinner waist and smaller shoulders , as with their feet , which are also smaller and shaped differently to a man ’ s foot . Sisi Safety Wear consults with a specialist podiatrist who provides professional advice and guidance regarding footwear , ensuring we provide women with footwear that delivers on safety and comfort ,” says Naidoo .
Ill-fitting footwear and clothing makes for discomfort , affects productivity as well as impairing the dignity of women . Using the change room and ablution facilities prove more challenging for women . “ Our clothing caters to the contours of a woman ’ s body where she does not need to consistently adjust her clothing to fit nor risk exposing herself unnecessarily in these situations ,” states Naidoo .
All images : Sisi Safety Wear
Predahni Naidoo
Sisi Basi shoe . Footwear is manufactured to meet SANS and SABS specifications .
SISI unbleached and navy boilersuit .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline November 2021 Volume 27 I Number 9