Managing health and safety on construction sites requires careful planning, clear communication and effective risk management. One of the most widely used tools for achieving this is a RAMS document.
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement, which are issued together or combined into a single document. RAMS help organisations identify hazards, assess risks and explain how work will be carried out safely.
Many organisations use dedicated RAMS software to create, manage and distribute documentation across multiple projects. Whether operating in the construction industry or other high risk industries, RAMS help businesses demonstrate compliance, protect workers and improve workplace safety.
In this guide, we’ll explain what RAMS are, when they are needed and provide a practical RAMS example that shows how a risk assessment and method statement can be structured for a construction task.
What is RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement.
RAMS can either be separate risk assessments and method statements documents, or combined into a single document. They outline potential hazards, identify risks and detail the control measures needed to complete work safely.
Although the terms are often used together, they serve different purposes.
A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks and determines suitable control measures. A method statement explains how a task will be carried out safely, including the equipment, procedures and safety precautions that will be followed.
Together, risk assessment and method statements provide a practical framework for managing health and safety on site.
RAMS are commonly used throughout the construction industry because many construction activities involve high risk tasks that require detailed planning before work begins. However, they are also used in manufacturing, utilities, maintenance, engineering and other high risk industries.
The purpose of a RAMS document is to help organisations manage risks, establish safe systems of work and keep people safe while carrying out specific activities.
Are RAMS a legal requirement?
Many people assume RAMS are legally required, but the position is slightly more nuanced.
Risk assessments are a legal requirement under UK health and safety legislation. Many organisations use dedicated risk assessment software to standardise assessments, identify hazards and maintain compliance records across multiple sites. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to conduct risk assessments and manage risks associated with workplace activities.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also requires employers to provide safe systems of work and protect the health and safety of workers and others affected by their activities.
While risk assessments are legally required, method statements are generally not specifically required by legislation. Likewise, RAMS documents are not legally mandated in most situations.
However, RAMS help demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations and are often requested by clients, contractors and principal contractor organisations before work begins.
The Health and Safety Executive encourages effective planning and risk management, particularly for high risk construction work. As a result, RAMS have become a recognised best practice across UK construction projects.
Creating risk assessment and method documents allows organisations to show they have identified hazards, assessed risks and implemented suitable controls before work is carried out.
What should RAMS documents include?
RAMS documents should provide enough information for workers, supervisors and contractors to understand how work will be completed safely.
The level of detail required will depend on the specific task, the site environment and the risks involved.
A typical RAMS document includes:
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Project details | Defines the scope of work |
| Risk assessments | Identifies hazards and risks |
| Control measures | Explains how risks will be controlled |
| Method statement section | Describes safe working procedures |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements | Specifies protective equipment |
| First aid provision | Outlines emergency arrangements |
| Responsibilities | Allocates duties and accountability |
| Review process | Supports ongoing compliance |
Good safety documentation should also address site specific hazards, potential risks, equipment requirements and emergency procedures.
Complete assessments and method statements should be easy to understand and contain sufficient information to support workplace safety and compliance.
RAMS example: working at height on a construction site
The following RAMS example demonstrates how a RAMS document could be created for roof maintenance work on a construction site.
Because working at height is considered one of the most common high risk activities in UK construction, it provides a useful example of how risk assessment method statements are structured.
Project details
Project: Roof inspection and repair
Location: Commercial construction site
Principal contractor: ABC Construction Ltd
Task: Inspection and repair of roof-mounted equipment
Workers involved: Two experienced workers and one supervisor
Equipment: Mobile access tower, fall arrest system, hand tools and PPE
Review date: Prior to commencement and following any significant site changes
These project details establish the scope of work and ensure everyone understands the task being undertaken.
Risk assessment example
Before creating the method statement, organisations must conduct risk assessments to identify hazards and assess risks.
The purpose is to identify hazards before work begins and implement suitable control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
| Hazard | Risks | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Working at height | Serious injury from falls | Fall arrest systems and edge protection |
| Falling tools | Injury to workers below | Tool lanyards and exclusion zones |
| Adverse weather | Slips and falls | Suspend work during poor conditions |
| Defective equipment | Injury and equipment failure | Pre-use inspections |
| Restricted access | Trips and falls | Designated access routes |
This assessment identifies potential hazards and potential risks that could affect workers on site.
When conducting risk assessments, organisations should consider:
- Site specific hazards
- Environmental conditions
- Equipment requirements
- Worker competency
- Access and egress arrangements
- Emergency procedures
Control measures should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever conditions change.
Method statement example
The method statement section explains how the task will be completed safely.
This provides workers with clear instructions and a step by step breakdown of the work process.
Step 1: site induction
All workers attend a site induction and review the RAMS document before work begins.
The supervisor confirms responsibilities and reviews any site specific hazards.
Step 2: equipment inspection
All equipment is inspected prior to use.
Any defective equipment is removed from service immediately.
Step 3: establish safe work area
Barriers and signage are installed around the work area.
A controlled exclusion zone is established below the work area.
Step 4: PPE requirements
Workers must wear:
- Safety helmet
- Safety boots
- High visibility clothing
- Protective gloves
- Fall arrest harness
The required PPE requirements must be maintained throughout the job.
Step 5: access the roof
Workers access the roof using approved access equipment.
Access routes are checked before work begins.
Step 6: carry out the task
The repair work is carried out according to approved procedures.
All activities are carried out safely using the agreed control measures.
Workers must stop work immediately if conditions become unsafe.
Step 7: final inspection
The supervisor completes a final inspection to confirm the task has been completed safely and all hazards have been controlled.
Step 8: site clearance
Equipment is removed, barriers are dismantled and the site is left in a safe condition.
This method statement section provides the detailed instructions needed to complete the specific task safely and consistently.
Why RAMS are essential for construction projects
RAMS provide numerous benefits for organisations operating in construction and other high risk environments.
Beyond supporting workplace safety, RAMS help organisations demonstrate compliance, improve communication and establish clear responsibilities across a project. By identifying hazards, documenting control measures and creating structured safety documentation, businesses can better manage risks, protect workers and reduce the likelihood of incidents. Many organisations also use dedicated risk assessment software to standardise assessments, improve record keeping and maintain compliance across multiple sites. Effective RAMS can also minimise the risk of fines and legal penalties by providing evidence that appropriate planning and risk management procedures were in place before work was carried out.
Improve workplace safety
RAMS improve workplace safety by identifying hazards and addressing potential risks before work begins.
Documented procedures help workers understand the risks associated with a task and the controls required to remain safe.
Help manage risks
One of the primary purposes of RAMS is to manage risks.
Risk assessments identify hazards while method statements provide clear instructions for controlling those risks during the work process.
Demonstrate compliance
RAMS help demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation, safety regulations and client requirements.
They provide evidence that organisations have identified hazards, assessed risks and implemented appropriate control measures before work begins. A well-prepared RAMS document supports compliance with client expectations, industry best practice and recognised safety standards.
By documenting risks, responsibilities, safety precautions and safe working procedures, RAMS can minimise the risk of fines and legal penalties following incidents, inspections, audits or regulatory investigations. This is particularly valuable for organisations operating in construction and other high risk industries where effective safety management is essential.
Improve communication
RAMS enhance communication by clearly outlining responsibilities, procedures and safety expectations.
Everyone involved understands their role and the controls required on site.
Improve productivity
Implementing RAMS can improve productivity by reducing uncertainty, preventing incidents and ensuring work is carried out efficiently.
Many organisations use dedicated construction safety software to manage safety documentation, inspections and compliance requirements across multiple construction sites.
Common RAMS mistakes to avoid
Even experienced organisations can make mistakes when creating RAMS.
Using generic documents
Every RAMS document should be tailored to the site and task being undertaken.
Generic templates may overlook specific hazards and important control requirements.
Failing to identify hazards
A failure to identify hazards can expose workers to unnecessary risks.
All foreseeable hazards should be considered during planning.
Poor control measures
Control measures should be practical, proportionate and capable of reducing risks effectively.
Missing responsibilities
Clearly defined responsibilities help ensure controls are implemented correctly.
The principal contractor, supervisors and workers should all understand their duties.
Insufficient detail
A lack of detail can create confusion.
The assessment and method statement should provide enough information to ensure work can be completed safely and consistently.
RAMS software vs manual documents
Many organisations still create RAMS using spreadsheets and paper-based processes.
While this may work for smaller projects, it can become difficult to manage multiple sites, workers and versions of the same document.
Digital systems offer several advantages.
Benefits of RAMS software include:
- Faster document creation
- Better version control
- Easier distribution
- Improved compliance tracking
- Reduced paperwork
- Greater visibility across projects
- Consistent safety documentation
Businesses looking to create and implement RAMS more efficiently often choose dedicated solutions, such as those featured in this guide to the best RAMS software.
Conclusion
RAMS are an essential part of modern health and safety management across the UK construction sector and many other high risk industries.
By combining risk assessments and method statements within a single document, organisations can identify hazards, assess risks, implement control measures and communicate safe working procedures effectively.
Although RAMS are not legally required in every situation, risk assessments remain a legal requirement under UK legislation. A well-prepared RAMS document helps organisations demonstrate compliance, manage risks and support workplace safety.
Businesses looking to streamline safety documentation and improve consistency across projects can also benefit from using digital RAMS templates and dedicated software solutions.
Frequently asked questions
What does RAMS stand for?
RAMS stands for risk assessment and method statement. RAMS documents include hazard identification, risk assessments and safe work procedures, sometimes within a single document.
What is the difference between a risk assessment and method statement?
A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks and determines suitable control measures. A method statement explains how work will be carried out safely. The risk assessment should always be completed before the method statement is created.
Are RAMS legally required in the UK?
RAMS are not generally legally required in the UK. However, risk assessments are legally required under health and safety legislation. Many organisations choose to create RAMS because they help demonstrate compliance and satisfy client requirements.
Who is responsible for creating a RAMS document?
The employer, contractor or principal contractor is typically responsible for creating the RAMS document. The individual preparing the document should understand the work being undertaken and the risks involved.
When should a RAMS document be reviewed?
A RAMS document should be reviewed whenever the scope of work changes, new hazards are identified or site conditions change significantly.
Can RAMS improve workplace safety?
RAMS can improve workplace safety by helping organisations identify hazards, manage risks, communicate responsibilities and establish safe systems of work. They can also reduce the likelihood of incidents, delays and compliance issues.
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RAMS Example Template
To help you get started, we’ve created a free RAMS example template, available by submitting your name and email address. It includes example sections for recording hazards, risks, control measures and responsibilities, giving you a practical reference for producing clear, compliant RAMS documentation.
Note: This RAMS example template is provided for guidance only and may not include every hazard, task or legal requirement relevant to your work. Always ensure your RAMS is tailored to the specific job and complies with current health and safety legislation and industry guidance.
