RAMS Compliance Hub: UK Construction Safety Templates

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. A Risk Assessment identifies hazards and control measures. A Method Statement describes how work will be carried out safely. Most construction activities require RAMS, especially higher-risk work like working at height, excavations, or hot works.

A RAMS should include: description of the work, identified hazards and risks, control measures, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, competency requirements, and signatures of those responsible. It should be specific to the task and site conditions.

Toolbox talks are short, focused safety briefings (typically 10-15 minutes) delivered to workers before or during work. They reinforce key safety messages, address site-specific hazards, and demonstrate ongoing commitment to safety. Records should be kept as evidence of training.

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) require duty holders to manage health and safety risks throughout construction projects. Principal Contractors must ensure suitable RAMS are in place and reviewed. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action and prosecution.

At minimum, formal site inspections should be weekly. Higher-risk activities (scaffolding, excavations, lifting operations) may require daily inspections. All inspections should be documented with issues recorded and tracked to resolution.

A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury but had the potential to do so. Reporting near misses helps identify hazards before they cause harm. Studies show that for every serious injury, there are hundreds of near misses. Capturing these prevents future incidents.