What Is RAMS? Risk Assessments & Method Statements Explained

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. Together, they form the core safety documentation required before high-risk work begins on UK construction sites. A risk assessment identifies the hazards and evaluates the risks. A method statement describes how the work will be carried out safely, step by step. This guide explains everything you need to know about writing, reviewing, and managing RAMS.

What Does RAMS Stand For?

RAMS is the industry abbreviation for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. These are two separate documents that work together. The risk assessment identifies what could go wrong and how likely it is. The method statement explains the safe system of work — the step-by-step process for carrying out the task safely.

• Risk Assessment — identifies hazards, evaluates likelihood and severity, and defines control measures
• Method Statement — describes the sequence of work, responsibilities, equipment, and safety precautions
• Together they form a safe system of work for a specific task or activity
• Required under CDM 2015 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

When Do You Need RAMS?

RAMS should be prepared for any work activity that carries significant risk to health and safety. In practice, most principal contractors require RAMS before any subcontractor starts work on site. They are a standard requirement on all UK construction projects of any meaningful size.

• Before starting any high-risk activity (working at height, excavation, hot works, lifting, etc.)
• Before a subcontractor mobilises to site
• When a principal contractor requests them as part of site induction
• When the nature or sequence of work changes during a project
• For any activity covered by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

What Should a Risk Assessment Include?

A risk assessment should identify all foreseeable hazards associated with the work, evaluate the risk level for each, and describe the control measures that will reduce the risk to an acceptable level. It should be specific to the task and site conditions, not a generic copy-paste document.

• Description of the activity being assessed
• Hazards identified (e.g., falls, manual handling, electricity, noise, dust)
• Who is at risk (operatives, public, other trades)
• Existing control measures already in place
• Additional control measures required
• Risk rating (likelihood × severity) before and after controls
• Name of the assessor and date of assessment

What Should a Method Statement Include?

A method statement describes the practical steps for carrying out the work safely. It should be written clearly enough that someone unfamiliar with the task can understand the sequence and safety requirements.

• Description of the work and its location
• Sequence of operations (step by step)
• Plant, equipment, and materials required
• Personnel involved and their responsibilities
• Safety measures and PPE requirements
• Emergency procedures
• Permits required (e.g., hot works permit, confined space permit)
• Disposal arrangements for waste or hazardous materials

Common Mistakes When Writing RAMS

Many RAMS are rejected or considered inadequate because they are too generic, out of date, or missing critical information. The most common problems include copying templates without tailoring them, failing to consider site-specific hazards, and not updating RAMS when conditions change.

• Using a generic template without tailoring it to the specific site and task
• Failing to identify site-specific hazards (neighbouring activities, ground conditions, etc.)
• Not specifying who is responsible for each control measure
• Missing emergency procedures or rescue plans
• Not reviewing or updating RAMS when work conditions change
• Listing control measures that are not actually implemented on site

How to Improve Your RAMS Process

The best RAMS are living documents that reflect real site conditions. Using digital tools can help by providing consistent templates, tracking review dates, capturing sign-offs, and maintaining an audit trail that satisfies client and HSE requirements.

• Start from trade-specific templates rather than blank documents
• Always conduct a site visit or review site-specific conditions before writing
• Involve the people who will carry out the work in the assessment
• Use digital sign-off to prove the team has read and understood the RAMS
• Review RAMS whenever conditions change (new hazards, different equipment, weather)
• Keep completed RAMS in a searchable, audit-ready system