Following Heritage Day, celebrated on September 24, integrated workplace safety solutions provider BBF Safety Group highlights the role its hardhat brand Nikki has played in the industry for over 15 years, particularly within the harshest mining environments.

BBF marketing manager Deane Nothard comments that it is one of the hardest performing hardhats on the market, having established a name for itself in terms of providing a balance between performance and quality at “great” value, with two shell types known as the Nikki I and Nikki II.

He explains that Nikki has been successful over the years when working with customers in South African environments. The acceptance of the hardhats, and their proven performance in the mining industry, is a testament to how entrenched the product is in the local market.

He elaborates that Nikki is one of the heaviest duty hardhats available. The Nikki I is made of 100% virgin acrylonitrile butadiene styrene for higher durability and strength, making it a premium hardhat for arduous applications at a mid-level price point, which boosts its popularity.

The Nikki II does not compromise on its quality either, making use of only virgin polypropylene. Both hardhat types have a unique bridged construction, allowing the shells to have the “best side impact protection”.

To ensure consistency and quality, the BBF Safety Group invested in new mould refurbishments and testing equipment.

“These investments are critical to maintaining Nikki’s status in the market and ensuring its continued longevity. Unfortunately, some of these upgrades caused some production downtime earlier this year, but our production is running flat out again, and our warehouse is well stocked,” adds Nothard.

The strong heritage of Nikki is the result of its “tried-and-tested” performance over the years, coupled with the BBF Safety Group’s use of 100% virgin materials, investment in local research and development for local environments, and its in-house testing which ensures compliance.

Nothard avers that Nikki has a unique construction and benefits from significant investments in materials and quality testing, making it a product that cannot be easily replaced.