Free RAMS Template Download vs RAMS Software — Which is Better?
Should you use a free RAMS template or RAMS software? Pros and cons of each approach for UK builders, contractors, and sole traders.
6 min read
ND
Nicola Dobbie·Founder, The Site Book
The Two Options
- Free RAMS template — download a Word doc, fill it in manually
- RAMS software — online tool that generates documents for you
Both work. The question is: which saves you more time and protects you better?
Free RAMS Template (Word Doc)
Pros
- ✅ Completely free
- ✅ Works offline (save to your laptop)
- ✅ Full control over wording
- ✅ One-time download, use forever
Cons
- ❌ You have to write it yourself
- ❌ Easy to miss hazards if you're not experienced
- ❌ No built-in controls or standard phrases
- ❌ Doesn't update when regulations change
- ❌ Hard to reuse across projects (lots of copy-pasting)
- ❌ No version control or audit trail
Best For
Experienced builders who know their risks inside-out and only do 1-2 projects a year.
RAMS Software
Pros
- ✅ AI suggests hazards based on your job description
- ✅ Pre-written controls for common risks
- ✅ Saves your workers, sites, and standard paragraphs
- ✅ Generates PDFs in minutes (not hours)
- ✅ Reusable across projects
- ✅ Digital sign-off and sharing
- ✅ Stays up-to-date with HSE guidance
Cons
- ❌ Costs money (usually £30-50/month)
- ❌ Needs internet connection
- ❌ You're trusting the software to get it right
Best For
Busy builders, contractors with multiple sites, anyone who hates paperwork.
The Honest Truth
A free template is fine if:
- You're doing similar work every time (e.g. always kitchen fitting)
- You have good H&S knowledge
- You only need 1-2 RAMS per year
RAMS software makes sense if:
- You do varied work (extensions, refurbs, conversions)
- You need RAMS regularly (every job)
- You want to save time (software = 10 mins, template = 2 hours)
- Clients expect professional-looking documents
How Much Time Does Each Take?
- Free template: 1-3 hours per RAMS (researching hazards, writing controls, formatting)
- RAMS software: 5-15 minutes per RAMS (describe the job, review suggestions, download)
If you're billing at £40/hour, that free template just cost you £80-120 in lost time.
Which Should You Choose?
Try both:
- Download a free template and fill one in
- Sign up for a free trial of RAMS software
- Compare the time taken and the quality of output
Most builders who try both never go back to Word docs.
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