AXA Providing Body Cameras to Record Dangerous Cladding Replacement Work

AXA UK is providing body cameras to contractors so they can record safety work to buildings containing flammable cladding and insulation.

The recordings will provide detailed information about materials used, together with evidence of working practices and site management for the areas being refurbished.

Dangerous Cladding

Some of AXA UK’s customers’ properties now require their cladding to be replaced to make them safer and more resilient to fire.

However, a lack of records of the materials used in the construction of multi-occupancy buildings sets a huge challenge in identifying those that are affected and what needs to be replaced, says AXA.

The company says “Flammable insulation and poor workmanship can be hidden beneath external cladding, and evidence of what has been done has often been impossible to trace once work is completed and contractors have left site.”

Douglas Barnett, AXA Commercial Director of Customer Risk Management

Dougie Barnett, Director of Customer Risk Management at AXA Commercial said, “We decided to use this cutting-edge technology to record evidence of the remediation work and securely store it in the cloud for reference.

“We are funding this initiative to protect our customers and ensure the work is carried out to the required standard using the correct materials.

“We’ll also have evidence of how protection systems such as sprinklers and alarms are installed, with this weekly video capture supplementing our regular visits to individual sites.

“When the work is completed, it should result in the remediated buildings being an improved risk, which will have a positive impact on policy premiums, so it’s important for everyone involved in the process to have a clear view of what’s happening.”

Body Cameras

AXA UK will use Motorola Solutions VT100 body cameras when responding to incidents. The video can be live streamed if required so contractors can liaise directly with AXA risk engineers.

The records are stored using secure cloud technology, ensuring material captured cannot be edited or tampered with. The technology is used by the UK’s emergency services and law enforcement organisations worldwide.

Those working on the buildings can wear the cameras on their person so there’s no need to down tools to take photos.

AXA UK says it is keeping its insurance premiums as low as possible despite the increased risk of buildings with combustible cladding, which it says are amongst the most hazardous construction types. Where buildings are renovated, AXA UK says it reduces premiums to reflect the reduced risk.

>> Read more of the latest cladding news