RAMS vs Method Statement — What's the Difference?

The Simple Version

A RAMS combines two documents:

1. Risk Assessment — identifies hazards and scores the risks
2. Method Statement — describes how you'll do the work safely

So RAMS = Risk Assessment + Method Statement.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment answers:

• What could go wrong? (hazards)
• Who could get hurt?
• How likely is it? (1-5 scale)
• How bad would it be? (1-5 scale)
• What controls will reduce the risk?

It's about identifying dangers and deciding if the risk is acceptable.

Method Statement

A method statement answers:

• What are we doing? (scope of work)
• How will we do it? (sequence of operations)
• What equipment do we need?
• What PPE is required?
• Who's responsible for what?

It's a step-by-step plan for getting the work done safely.

Do You Always Need Both?

For high-risk work (working at height, confined spaces, hot works), yes — you need both.

For low-risk work (decorating, tiling), a simple risk assessment might be enough.

Most commercial clients and main contractors expect a RAMS (both combined) before you start on site.

Example

Task: Installing scaffolding for a two-storey extension.

Risk Assessment identifies:

• Falls from height (high risk)
• Scaffold collapse (medium risk)
• Struck by falling materials (medium risk)

Method Statement describes:

1. Site survey and foundation check
2. Delivery and unloading procedure
3. Base plate installation on solid ground
4. Tube and fitting assembly sequence
5. Tie-in to building at correct intervals
6. Inspection and handover

Together, they form a RAMS.

Create your RAMS →