Hawkins welcomed guests from CNA Hardy to step into the world of forensic investigation through a series of interactive and educational activities. Our Forensic Fun Days aim to provide insight into how our investigators approach an investigation to establish the root cause of an incident.
One of the most popular challenges was a fire investigation exercise, led by Dr Hugh Martindale, Senior Associate at Hawkins and a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. Using a realistic reconstruction of a fire-damaged socket setup, guests were tasked with identifying the cause of a simulated electrical fire. By analysing painted witness marks (representing smoke and charring) and testing plug fuses, participants had to deduce which of five household appliances was responsible. The session offered a fascinating look at how fire investigators reconstruct events using physical evidence.
Another highlight of the day was a hands-on demonstration of our Hirox RX 100 digital microscope, led by Adrian Ratte, an Associate at Hawkins with expertise in electrical engineering and fire investigation. Guests were amazed as they viewed a real fly under the microscope, revealing the intricate structures of its head in detail. Adrian explained how this high-resolution imaging technology is used in forensic investigations to examine trace evidence, tool marks, and surface textures that are invisible to the naked eye. His demonstration gave a glimpse into the precision and depth of analysis that our investigative tools can provide.
Gareth Dobinson, Principal Associate and Regional Manager at Hawkins, delivered a practical demonstration on escapes of water, a common but often complex area of forensic investigation. Gareth, who specialises in mechanical engineering and building systems, explained how investigators trace the source of water damage, distinguish between accidental leaks and gradual failures, and assess whether damage may have been caused deliberately. His session gave guests a hands-on look at the tools and methods used to investigate water-related incidents, including pipework failures and regulatory non-compliance.
Midway through the day, guests enjoyed lunch, giving them the chance to network, and chat informally with Hawkins’ forensic experts. The break provided a great opportunity for attendees to ask questions, share insights, and learn more about Hawkins.
The day concluded with two insightful presentations, Nico Zurcher introduced guests to Hawkins’ marine services, highlighting the firm’s expertise in investigating incidents involving ships, cargo, ports, and offshore structures. This was followed by a power generation presentation by Ben Adams, who explored the forensic analysis of failures in power systems, including turbines, generators, and associated infrastructure. Both sessions offered a deep-dive into the specialist areas of forensic engineering and demonstrated the breadth of Hawkins’ capabilities.
Guests described the day as “Interesting and beneficial for learning how Hawkins investigate the root causes of issues and how it could assist us in the claims handling process, I found the session with the microscope and the marine presentation especially interesting.”
Please get in touch with us if you would like to learn more about Hawkins, or have our experts present to your organisation.
