Failing to assess properly can, and sadly still does, cost the construction industry millions of pounds. Much of that could be saved by intelligent use of foresight before the forced excavator even starts work. We certainly have the means, all we need is the will and the professionalism to make it happen. Professor John Burland, FREng, FICE '...the task force wishes to emphasise that we are not inviting UK construction to look at what it does already and do it better: we are asking the industry and government to join with major clients to do it entirely different...' Sir John Egan - Rethinking Construction 1999 Ground related problems and conditions can often adversley affect costs, completion time, profitability, and health and safety issues on a project of any scale. Geotechnical risk can affect all those involved in construction - including the client, designer and the constructor. These guidelines, produced in association with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, provide best practice guidance on the management of geotechnical risk by all parties concerned, and also explain why such risks occur.