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If you work in the construction industry, you've likely heard the term "RAMS" mentioned more times than you can count. But what exactly is a RAMS document and why is it so crucial for construction projects? In this guide, we'll answer the most common questions about Risk Assessment and Method Statements and explain how they keep workers safe on site.
What is RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's actually two separate but closely related health and safety documents that work together to identify hazards and outline safe working practices for construction activities.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes method statements as documents that draw together information about hazards and the ways they should be controlled for specific jobs, based on conclusions from risk assessments. Together, these documents form the backbone of construction site safety planning.
Understanding the Two Components
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is exactly what it sounds like – an assessment of risk. It's a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. When conducting a risk assessment, you examine a task or activity and identify:
What hazards are present?
Who might be harmed and how?
What control measures are needed to eliminate or reduce the risks?
How likely it is that harm could occur?
We have created a simple, free risk assessment template for you:
Method Statement
A method statement goes a step further. It's a detailed, step-by-step plan that explains exactly how work will be carried out safely. It describes in a logical sequence how a job is to be carried out in a way that secures health and safety. Whilst not always a legal requirement, method statements are essential for high-risk, complex or unusual work.
A well-written method statement covers the sequence of work activities, the equipment and materials required and identifies the personnel involved along with their responsibilities. It outlines specific safety precautions and control measures, details emergency procedures and includes any site-specific rules and restrictions that apply to the work.
Why is RAMS So Important in Construction?
The construction industry remains one of the UK's most hazardous sectors. According to HSE statistics, construction workers face significantly higher risks of injury and fatality compared to other industries. This stark reality makes RAMS documents a vital tool for protecting lives on site.
Legal Requirements
Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), principal contractors must plan and manage construction work properly. Whilst risk assessments are legally required, method statements are proven to be an effective and practical way to help plan, manage and monitor construction work, particularly for higher-risk activities.
Contractual Requirements
In addition to legal obligations, RAMS documents have become a standard requirement in the tendering process. Principal contractors and clients typically request RAMS before granting site access, using them to assess a contractor's commitment to safety and competence.
Practical Benefits
Well-prepared RAMS documents deliver tangible benefits across construction projects. They enhance worker safety and reduce accident rates whilst improving communication between teams. Workers gain a clearer understanding of their roles and responsibilities, which contributes to better project planning and efficiency. Companies also benefit from reduced insurance premiums and an enhanced reputation in the industry.
When Do You Need RAMS?
All construction work requires a risk assessment. However, method statements are specifically needed for:
High-risk activities (working at height, excavations, demolition).
Complex or unusual tasks.
Work involving hazardous substances.
Activities requiring permits to work.
Tasks involving multiple contractors or interfaces.
Operations where the risk assessment identifies significant hazards.
Based on search trends and industry practice, RAMS documents are typically used for:
Roofing work – Working at height presents significant fall risks.
Scaffolding – Erection, use, and dismantling all require careful planning.
Electrical installations – Risks of electrocution and fire.
Excavations – Ground collapse and utility strikes are major hazards.
Demolition – Structural instability and falling debris.
Hot works (welding, cutting) – Fire and burn risks.
Confined spaces – Asphyxiation and entrapment hazards.
Lifting operations – Crane work and manual handling risks.
How to Create Effective RAMS Documents
1. Conduct a Thorough Site Assessment
Before writing anything, visit the site and identify existing hazards and site conditions. Look at access and egress routes, locate services and utilities and consider environmental factors. Pay attention to the proximity of public areas or other activities that might be affected by your work.
2. Identify All Hazards
Consider every aspect of the work when identifying hazards. Look at the task itself, the equipment and materials you'll be using and the working environment. Think about who will be affected, including workers, members of the public and other contractors on site.
3. Assess the Risks
For each hazard, evaluate:
The likelihood of harm occurring.
The potential severity of injury.
How many people could be affected.
Existing control measures.
4. Determine Control Measures
Following the hierarchy of risk control:
Elimination – Remove the hazard entirely.
Substitution – Replace with something less dangerous.
Engineering controls – Isolate people from the hazard.
Administrative controls – Change the way people work.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – The last line of defence.
5. Write Clear Method Statements
Your method statement should be written in simple, jargon-free language and presented in a logical sequence. Make it specific to the task and site and use diagrams where they add clarity. Most importantly, make it accessible to all workers by considering potential language barriers.
6. Communicate to the Team
The method statement is an effective way of providing information to employees about how work should be carried out and the precautions that should be taken. All team members should receive a copy or briefing, understand their responsibilities, have the opportunity to ask questions and sign to confirm their understanding.
7. Monitor and Review
RAMS documents aren't "set and forget". Regular monitoring of compliance on site is critical, as is reviewing documents after incidents or near misses. Update your RAMS when conditions change and learn from experience to improve future projects.
Common RAMS Mistakes to Avoid
Generic Templates Without Customisation
Simply downloading a free RAMS template and adding your company name doesn't cut it. The HSE explicitly states that you should not just copy an example and put your company name to it, as that would not satisfy the law and would not protect your employees.
Each RAMS must be site-specific and task-specific, reflecting actual working methods and based on a genuine assessment of that particular project. Generic templates can provide a starting point, but they need substantial customisation to be effective.
Inadequate Detail
Vague statements like "appropriate PPE will be worn" aren't helpful. Be specific about exactly what PPE is required (for example, "Class 2 safety helmets with chin straps"), when it must be worn and who is responsible for providing and checking it. The more detail you include, the easier it is for workers to comply.
Failing to Consider All Affected Parties
Don't just think about your own workers. Consider other contractors on site, site visitors, members of the public, building occupants and emergency services who might need access. A comprehensive RAMS document accounts for everyone who could be affected by the work.
Not Involving the Workers
The people actually doing the job often have the best insights into potential hazards and practical solutions. Involve supervisors and operatives in the RAMS creation process.
Treating It as a Paper Exercise
RAMS documents are only effective if they're actually used. Your method statements should be accessible on site, regularly referenced during toolbox talks, updated when working methods change and integrated into site inductions. A RAMS document filed away in the office helps nobody.
Integrating RAMS with Other Safety Documentation
RAMS documents don't exist in isolation. They should complement:
Site-specific safety statements.
Construction phase health and safety plans.
Pre-construction information.
Risk assessments for specific hazards (COSHH, manual handling, noise, etc.).
Emergency response procedures.
Training records and competency assessments.
Modern construction sites increasingly use digital systems to create and store RAMS documents, track revisions and updates and confirm worker sign-off electronically. These systems allow real-time compliance monitoring and can generate reports for clients and regulators. Digital systems improve accessibility and help workers always have the most current version, though paper copies should still be available for reference on site.
How DuoDynamic Safety Solutions Can Help
At DuoDynamic Safety Solutions, we understand that creating RAMS documentation can be time-consuming and complex. Our health and safety professionals can assist you with:
Bespoke RAMS creation tailored to your specific projects and working methods.
Site-specific risk assessments for all construction activities.
Template development for your common tasks.
RAMS reviews to check compliance and effectiveness.
Training for managers and supervisors on RAMS implementation.
Ongoing health and safety support for construction projects of all sizes.
For expert guidance on RAMS, risk assessments, method statements and other health and safety queries, contact us today.
