RAMS Templates: For Safer Workplaces

Risk assessment and method statements (RAMS) documents form a vital part of workplace safety, helping to protect workers and meet legal requirements. A RAMS checklist helps employers stay compliant, manage hazards and ensure safe systems are followed during high-risk tasks. By using RAMS templates, businesses can improve consistency and efficiency. Digital RAMS software like Velappity makes this process even easier by enabling real-time updates, streamlined approvals and instant access to safety documentation from any device. This allows supervisors, workers and clients to review and manage RAMS documents more efficiently. As well as discussing what to include in a RAMS document, we’ve also provided a free risk assessment and method statement template to download to help you get started. Rather than a blank risk assessment form PDF download, our risk assessment and method statement PDF includes example details as a starting point for your projects.

What is a risk assessment method statement checklist?

A RAMS is a structured document that includes both the risk assessment that is to be carried out, and the method statement which details the steps to be taken to undertake the work safely. It supports workers by describing the work activity, identifying site specific hazards and setting out control measures. RAMS include guidance on how to do a risk assessment systematically for each task and site. You can refer to an example risk assessment to understand how hazards and control measures are documented. Unlike a basic risk assessment template or method statement template, a RAMS ensures both assessments and safe systems of work are captured together. A RAMS example can guide supervisors and workers on how to fill in each section correctly. This combined risk assessment method statement gives businesses a single, structured document to manage hazards and tasks. This single document is therefore complete, efficient and easier to review.

Benefits of using a RAMS checklist

Improves consistency across safety documents

A RAMS helps to standardise how risk assessments are performed and ensure that method statements are followed. Using RAMS templates, businesses can ensure their RAMS documents include sections they require, such as a brief description of the job, relevant hazards and required control measures. This avoids gaps that might occur if staff rely on their memory or unstructured notes. Consistency is also critical when method statement templates and risk assessment templates are used across multiple sites or teams.

Saves time and reduces duplication

RAMS forms generally cover high risk activities, such as manual handling, working at height or construction tasks. Creating templates for different activities allows for quicker, more standardised approaches to tasks. A digital RAMS template can pull through details like company information, site references and worker information so that these do not have to be filled in manually. Once completed, the information is automatically reported and stored, reducing the need for duplication and helping supervisors and workers access accurate safety information efficiently. Many businesses start with a risk assessment template free from online resources before building custom digital forms.

Encourages communication with relevant team members

Developing a RAMS document requires input from supervisors, workers and sometimes clients. For example, a risk assessment form can describe hazards while the method statement RAMS section explains how to carry out the job safely. When developing the checklist, relevant team members can review, comment and confirm their responsibilities, improving cooperation and compliance. Supervisors should write RAMS documents clearly so that workers are informed of and understand the tasks and control measures without confusion. Understanding how to write a risk assessment ensures each hazard is properly assessed and control measures are documented correctly.

Ensures compliance with legal requirements

Employers are legally responsible for managing risks and providing safe systems of work. A RAMS helps demonstrate compliance with health and safety law by showing that risk assessments and method statements have been developed, reviewed and updated when significant changes occur. A checklist based on an HSE risk assessment template or a health and safety risk assessment template Excel file ensures critical elements are not overlooked. You can also use a free risk assessment template PDF for smaller tasks when it meets the requirements.

Improves safety outcomes for high risk tasks

High risk tasks such as confined space entry, electrical work or demolition require detailed safety procedures. A thorough risk analysis is essential to identify hazards and determine the necessary control measures. These are then laid out clearly in a RAMS. This improves the clarity of safety documents and ensures that risks are managed effectively, which can make all the difference to performing work safely. RAMS can also outline emergency aid procedures so that workers know how to respond quickly if an incident occurs. Whether using a building risk assessment or a construction RAMS checklist, employers can provide workers with clear guidance to carry out jobs safely. For fire safety, an HSE fire risk assessment template Word version can be used to create standardised documentation.

Supports digital transformation and efficiency

Paper RAMS forms can be difficult to manage, track and update. By using a digital solution such as Velappity, businesses can digitise their RAMS processes, replacing paper with mobile forms and secure storage. Digital risk assessment tools help teams create, update and manage RAMS documents efficiently. A digital RAMS template can be updated instantly, reviewed remotely and accessed by on-site teams. This approach reduces errors, saves time and supports ongoing compliance with health and safety standards.

What to include in a RAMS checklist

A RAMS should include:

• Basic information such as company details, work activity description and site location
• A risk assessment form with hazards, risks and control measures
• A method statement template with task specific steps and safe systems of work
• Signatures, dates and confirmation that the RAMS document has been reviewed

If working internationally, you will likely require regionalised versions, such as a risk assessment template UK version, to ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations. When introducing team members to performing risk assessments, an example of a risk assessment may help to guide them in how to complete hazard identification and define control measures.

RAMS tasks for RAMS teams

RAMS are used across industries to manage a wide range of risks and work activities. In construction, a RAMS risk assessment template might cover excavation, scaffolding or lifting operations. In manufacturing, a manual handling risk assessment template or machinery risk assessment example could be included. Office-based teams may use a fire risk assessment template or health and safety assessment form to protect their team as well as visitors.

A RAMS can also outline staff training requirements for high risk activities, such as working at height, or note significant changes that require documents to be reviewed. Risk assessment examples can help teams understand how to structure documents for different tasks and industries. It may include a risk assessment table, examples of risk assessment models and even a risk matrix template to help prioritise hazards. For some high risk activities, a permit to work may also be required in addition to the RAMS document. Examples of risk assessment models are the matrix method, the likelihood-consequence approach and task-based assessments. With a digital solution, supervisors and team members can create, perform and manage these safety documents more efficiently, ensuring compliance and helping to keep workers safe.

RAMS checklist template

To help get you started, we’ve created a free RAMS checklist template. This includes space to record routine inspection checks, asset details and job completion, supporting your operations and improving inspection accuracy.

Note: This is an example of a RAMS checklist and may not cover all equipment, safety or regulatory requirements. Always follow official documentation and consult qualified personnel before performing risk assessments and method statements.

Get started with Velappity

For those still using manual methods, a risk assessment template Word free download can provide a simple starting point before moving to digital solutions. For smaller businesses, a RAMS template free of charge can be a useful introduction before adopting a fully digital RAMS process.

But, instead of relying on paper risk assessment templates or method statement templates, teams can create specific digital RAMS documents that are accessible anywhere. Velappity helps businesses digitise their safety processes by creating custom forms that are completed on mobile devices while on site. Multiple RAMS templates can be created to cover different requirements, including creating site specific RAMS. These RAMS can be updated to reflect significant changes, new versions being accessible instantly.

Velappity supports safe systems of work and detailed audit trails, ensuring compliance with health and safety law. By moving from paper to digital risk assessment method statement templates, companies can save time, reduce errors and improve safety outcomes. Velappity gives employers, supervisors and workers the tools they need to manage risk assessments and method statements efficiently to stay compliant.

Final Thoughts

Having a proper RAMS template is essential for carrying out work safely, efficiently, and in line with regulations. By clearly setting out hazards, risks, control measures, and responsibilities, you can minimise incidents, improve compliance, and protect both workers and clients.

Whether you’re preparing RAMS for construction, facilities management, or specialist projects, a clear plan and regular reviews are key. Good documentation not only supports safety but also improves productivity, reduces downtime, and builds client confidence.

Alongside custom RAMS forms, Velappity also provides digital compliance monitoring features — helping you create a more proactive, streamlined safety management process.

Create comprehensive RAMS templates that support safe working practices and reduce the risk of unexpected issues on-site.