As South Africa’s industrial and mining sectors increasingly integrate women into high-risk operational roles, Sisi Safety Wear is addressing a critical and long-overlooked gap: the lack of heavy-duty safety footwear for women working in harsh industrial conditions. Sisi, a local manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for women in the workplace – has introduced its Fuse Safety Boot, designed specifically for women working in demanding industrial, mining, electrical, manufacturing and heavy-duty environments. This new safety boot provides the essential protection, fit, and comfort long missing from the PPE ranges available to women working in these sectors.
For many years, women working in these industries have had to wear protective boots designed for men, often compromising both safety and comfort. This mismatch increases the risk of injury, causes discomfort, and reduces productivity in environments where reliable protection is essential.
"Women in these industries face the same dangers as men – from electrical hazards to tough, abrasive surfaces – yet their safety footwear has not kept pace with their growing representation in the workforce," says Jamie-Lee Bishop from Sisi Safety Wear. "The introduction of the Fuse Boot marks an important step up in providing women with PPE that protects and fits properly to support them through long, demanding shifts."
The Fuse Safety Boot
Developed in direct response to market demand and feedback from safety professionals, the Sisi Fuse Safety Boot is the first locally manufactured PU/rubber soled safety boot specifically engineered for women. Tested to withstand 20 kVA electrical hazards for 60 seconds, the boot offers premium protection in hazardous conditions.
The Fuse Boot features a full-grain leather upper, abrasion- and slip-resistant PU/rubber sole, and a reflective strip for enhanced visibility in low-light environments. Comfort is prioritised with a padded collar and Birdseye breathable lining, treated to include anti-microbial properties, to keep feet cool and hygienic.
The PU/rubber sole offers long lasting durability and is specifically designed to resist cuts, abrasions, and slips. The tread pattern channels water and debris away, improving grip and preventing slips in harsh working conditions.
Responding to industry needs
The Fuse Boot was developed after years of industry feedback emphasising the need for safety boots with a PU/Rubber sole, capable of enduring tough working conditions, and designed specifically for women. One of the requests came from eThekwini Municipality, which required a safety boot for women working near high-voltage equipment.
“This boot is much more than a checklist item – it is a solution born from real, on-the-ground challenges,” adds Bishop. “It is designed to withstand tough terrain and electrical dangers, offering reliable protection without compromising comfort.”
Advancing inclusive safety standards
The launch of the Fuse Boot confirms Sisi’s commitment to transforming the local PPE market by ensuring women working in demanding industries receive properly fitted, high-quality protective gear.
“Introducing this boot, we are making it clear that PPE for women requires serious, tailored solutions,” says Bishop. “We are breaking away from the outdated one-size-fits-all mentality that has long dominated South Africa’s industrial safety sector.”
The Fuse Boot represents a growing recognition in South Africa’s high-risk industries of the importance of PPE designed specifically for women. As more organisations adopt inclusive safety policies, innovations like the Fuse Boot are setting new benchmarks for equitable workplace safety.
“It is not just about introducing new PPE, it is about raising the standard for women’s safety in the workplace,” Bishop adds. “By addressing long-standing gaps in PPE design, we are making meaningful strides towards secure, more inclusive industrial environments.”
Industry stakeholders, safety officers, and procurement specialists are encouraged to explore how purpose-built PPE can enhance operational safety and wellbeing for women working in hazardous environments.
For more information visit: www.sisi.co.za
