Construction projects often involve a wide range of risks, which is why clear planning is so important before work begins. Risk Assessments and Method Statements, commonly referred to as RAMS, help contractors identify potential hazards and set out how work will be carried out safely.
Well-prepared RAMS support safer working practices and can help demonstrate that risks have been considered before work starts. They are also commonly requested by clients, principal contractors and site managers before contractors are allowed to begin work on site.
The challenge is that many businesses still rely on generic templates that do not reflect the specific conditions, hazards or working methods involved in a project. When RAMS are not tailored to the task or site, they may not provide the level of detail needed to support safe working or meet project requirements.
Let’s take a look at the difference between risk assessments and method statements, how they work together, and what to include when preparing RAMS for construction projects. We’ll also look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways:
- Effective RAMS documentation combines risk assessments and method statements to identify hazards and explain safe work processes clearly.
- Site-specific RAMS tailored to project risks improve compliance and reduce operational hazards better than generic templates.
- Strong risk assessments evaluate hazards comprehensively and propose effective control measures to prevent workplace incidents.
- Detailed method statements provide clear step-by-step instructions and assign responsibilities to ensure consistent and safe task execution.
- Regularly reviewing and updating RAMS enhances safety outcomes, accelerates approvals, and meets client and legal expectations.
What Are RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements. Together, they help businesses identify workplace hazards, assess potential risks, and plan how work will be carried out safely.
In construction, RAMS are commonly used before work starts to make sure risks have been considered and suitable control measures are in place. They provide a clear record of how tasks will be completed and help communicate important safety information to everyone involved in the work.
Risk Assessments
A risk assessment focuses on identifying hazards and evaluating the risks they present. This could include hazards such as:
- Working at height
- Manual handling activities
- Moving vehicles and plant machinery
- Electrical work
- Hazardous substances
The purpose of a risk assessment is to understand what could cause harm and identify practical measures to reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring.
Method Statements
A method statement explains how a task will be carried out safely. It sets out the planned sequence of work, the equipment being used, the control measures that need to be followed, and any emergency procedures that may be required.
A clear method statement helps workers understand what is expected of them and provides a consistent approach to completing the task safely.
Risk assessments and method statements work together. The risk assessment identifies the hazards and risks, while the method statement explains how those risks will be managed in practice.
Why Are RAMS Important?
RAMS play an important role in helping businesses plan work safely. By identifying hazards and setting out control measures before work starts, they help teams understand the risks involved and how those risks will be managed.
They also support compliance with health and safety responsibilities by providing a clear record of the risks that have been considered and the steps being taken to reduce them. This can be particularly important for higher-risk activities where careful planning is essential.
Just as importantly, RAMS help improve communication. They give workers, supervisors and contractors a shared understanding of how a task will be carried out, the precautions that need to be followed, and who is responsible for different aspects of the work.
Well-prepared RAMS can support safer working practices, help projects run more smoothly, and provide reassurance that work has been properly planned before it begins.
How Do Risk Assessments and Method Statements Work Together for Safety?
Risk assessments and method statements have different purposes, but they work best when used together.
A risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates the risks associated with a task. A method statement then explains how the work will be carried out safely, including the control measures that will be used to manage those risks.
Put simply, the risk assessment identifies what could cause harm, while the method statement explains what will be done to reduce that risk. Together, they help create a clear plan for completing work safely and consistently.
| Document Type | Primary Focus | Key Function | Outcome | Role in Safety |
| Risk Assessment | Identifies hazards | Evaluates potential risks | Prioritises risk reduction | Supports planning |
| Method Statement | Defines work process | Explains control measures | Details safe execution | Guides workforce actions |
| Risk Assessment | Focuses on dangers | Assesses likelihood and impact | Informs decision making | Highlights what could go wrong |
| Method Statement | Focuses on activities | Specifies task sequences | Improves consistency | Ensures safe work methods |
Common RAMS Mistakes to Avoid
Even when RAMS are in place, they are not always as effective as they could be. Some of the most common issues arise when documents are treated as a paperwork exercise rather than a practical safety tool.
Using Generic Templates Without Reviewing Them
Templates can provide a useful starting point, but they should always be tailored to the specific site, task and working environment. Generic RAMS may overlook important hazards or control measures that are relevant to the work being carried out.
Failing to Review and Update RAMS
RAMS should be reviewed whenever there are significant changes to the work, equipment, site conditions or working methods. A document that was suitable at the start of a project may no longer reflect the risks present later in the job.
Not Communicating RAMS to the Workforce
Producing RAMS is only part of the process. Workers need to understand the hazards, control measures and safe working procedures that apply to their role. Clear communication helps ensure the information is used in practice rather than simply filed away.
Overlooking Site-Specific Risks
Every project is different. Factors such as access restrictions, neighbouring activities, weather conditions or the presence of the public can introduce additional risks that need to be considered when preparing RAMS.
Taking the time to review, update and communicate RAMS properly can help ensure they remain practical, relevant and useful throughout the project.
How to Spot Strong RAMS for Safer Sites
Many RAMS documents meet the basic completion criteria but fall short when it comes to practical use on site. This gap often leaves workers and project managers without clear, actionable guidance, undermining safety and efficiency.
| Type | Hazard Identification | Risk Controls | Work Sequence Detail | Accountability Clarity |
| Generic RAMS | Broad hazards listed | Limited site relevance | Minimal task description | Unclear roles and responsibilities |
| Site-Specific RAMS | Tailored to project risks | Targeted and effective controls | Step-by-step procedures | Clear assignment of duties |
| Weak Method Statement | Not linked to risks | Generic or missing controls | Vague or incomplete steps | Responsibility not defined |
| Strong Risk Assessment | Comprehensive hazard review | Practical, measurable controls | N/A | Supports clear communication |
What Should a Good RAMS Document Include?
While the exact content will vary depending on the project, a good RAMS document should be clear, practical and specific to the work being carried out.
A risk assessment should include:
- The hazards associated with the task
- Who could be harmed
- The level of risk presented
- The control measures being implemented
- Any personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
A method statement should include:
- A description of the work being undertaken
- The sequence of activities
- Equipment, tools or machinery being used
- Relevant control measures
- Emergency arrangements where required
- The responsibilities of those involved
Most importantly, RAMS should reflect the actual conditions on site. Generic documents that could apply to any project are often less useful than tailored RAMS that consider the specific risks, working environment and activities involved.
Before work begins, RAMS should be communicated to everyone involved so they understand both the risks and the procedures that need to be followed.
Building Better RAMS for Safer Projects
RAMS play an important role in helping construction projects run safely and efficiently. By identifying hazards, assessing risks and clearly setting out safe working procedures, they provide a practical framework for managing health and safety before work begins. The most effective RAMS are tailored to the specific project, regularly reviewed, and communicated clearly to everyone involved in the work.
Whether you’re preparing documentation for a new project or reviewing your existing approach, taking the time to get your RAMS right can help support safer working practices and smoother project delivery. If you’d like support with risk assessments, method statements or wider construction health and safety compliance, get in touch with the THSP team to see how we can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions About RAMS
Are RAMS a legal requirement on construction sites?
Risk assessments are a legal requirement under UK health and safety law. Method statements are commonly required for higher-risk activities and are often requested by clients or principal contractors to demonstrate how work will be carried out safely.
Who is responsible for preparing RAMS?
Contractors or employers usually prepare RAMS. It is important that these documents are created by competent individuals who understand the specific risks of the project and can provide clear, practical safety guidance.
What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?
A risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates the risks involved. A method statement details the safe way to carry out the work, describing the steps and control measures needed to reduce those risks.
When should RAMS be completed during a project?
RAMS should be completed before work starts, ideally during the planning and mobilisation phases. This ensures risks are identified early and safe procedures are in place from the outset.
How often should RAMS be reviewed and updated?
RAMS must be reviewed after any significant changes to the work, following incidents or near misses, and periodically throughout the project to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
Can generic RAMS templates be used on site?
Generic RAMS can serve as a starting point, but they must be tailored to reflect the specific risks and conditions of each project. Site-specific details are crucial for effective risk management.
Which industries commonly use RAMS documentation?
RAMS are widely used in construction, engineering, facilities management, utilities, and infrastructure projects where physical work involves potential hazards that need managing.
What key information should a method statement include?
A method statement should clearly describe the work sequence, equipment needed, safety controls in place, and emergency procedures to ensure everyone understands how to perform tasks safely.