What is a RAMS and do I need one?

A RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) is a combined document that sets out:

1. 1The risks involved in a task or project (the Risk Assessment)
2. 2How you will carry out the work safely (the Method Statement)

The two are almost always produced together, which is why they are referred to as a single document. On most UK construction projects, a RAMS is one of the first documents you will be asked to produce, and one of the first things an inspector will want to see.

Who needs a RAMS?

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), the principal contractor is responsible for managing the construction phase safely. A RAMS is the primary tool for doing that.

In practice, you need a RAMS for:

• Any project with significant risk, including working at height, excavations, demolition, lifting operations, and confined spaces
• Any project involving multiple contractors on the same site
• Any project where the principal contractor role applies
• Any task involving hazardous substances that requires a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment

On smaller domestic projects with a single self-employed contractor, the legal requirement is lighter, but having a RAMS still protects you. If something goes wrong and you cannot demonstrate that you identified the risks and planned around them, you are in a much weaker position both legally and with insurers.

What does a RAMS contain?

A complete RAMS covers several sections. Each one serves a specific purpose, and the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) will expect to see them all on a notifiable project:

• Scope of works describes what is being done, where, and by whom. It sets the boundaries of the work the RAMS covers.
• Personnel lists who is on site, their roles, first aiders, and fire wardens. The inspector wants to know who is responsible for what.
• Sequence of works is the step-by-step method for each trade or task. This is the "method statement" part. It should be specific enough that a competent worker could follow it.
• Hazard identification covers what the risks are, who is at risk, and how severe the consequences could be. Hazards are assessed before and after control measures using a risk matrix.
• Control measures set out what you are doing to reduce each risk to an acceptable level. This includes engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
• PPE requirements detail what personal protective equipment is required and when. This needs to be task-specific, not a generic "wear PPE at all times".
• Emergency procedures cover what happens in an emergency, where the first aid kit is, and the nearest A&E.
• Legislation references list the UK regulations that apply to the work.
• COSHH assessment is required if any hazardous substances are in use on the project.

What happens if you do not have one?

The HSE can issue a prohibition notice stopping work immediately until adequate documentation is in place. On a notifiable project, an absent or inadequate RAMS puts the principal contractor in direct breach of CDM 2015. Fines for health and safety breaches in construction are unlimited, and the HSE has stated publicly that poor documentation is one of the most common findings during site visits.

Beyond legal risk, a RAMS is your primary defence if something goes wrong on site. Without one, it is very hard to demonstrate that you identified and managed risks responsibly. Insurers will also look at your documentation if a claim is made.

What makes a good RAMS?

A good RAMS is specific to the project, not a generic template with the site name changed. The HSE can tell the difference. Common problems include:

• Copying a RAMS from a previous job without updating the site-specific details
• Listing hazards without meaningful control measures
• Using vague language like "workers will take care" instead of specifying concrete controls
• Not including a COSHH assessment when hazardous substances are present
• Missing signatures from the people who need to read and accept the RAMS

A strong RAMS reflects the actual conditions on the actual site, names the actual people involved, and describes controls that are realistic and enforceable.

How long does it take?

Writing a RAMS from scratch for a new project typically takes several hours. With The Site Book, the guided wizard pre-fills your project details, team, hazard selections, and control measures. A complete RAMS for most projects takes under 15 minutes. The output is a professionally formatted PDF, branded with your company logo, ready to share with your client or principal designer.