Book excerpt: Almost 3000 lives have been lost in the UK construction industry over the last twenty-five years, in addition to those seriously injured or made ill. The need to reduce this rate has required tight controls to be introduced throughout the planning and management of construction projects in the UK. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 outline the responsibilities and liabilities for the various professionals and agents involved. Straightforward and practical, Understanding the CDM 2007 Regulations demonstrates the rationale behind the regs, covers the duties of the five core duty holders (client, CDM coordinator, designer, principal contractor and contractor), explains the importance of the hazard management process on every project and also sets out the consequences of failing to successfully plan, design and manage for safety. Any client, architect, engineer, CDM co-ordinator, project manager, construction professional, or student will find this a simple but thorough and dependable guide and should value the management toolkit and the numerous practical examples of best practice and guidance on how to use the Approved Code of Practice appropriately. This book shows how to unleash the potential of the regulations and add real value to the industry.