What is a RAMS? Risk Assessment & Method Statement Guide

What Does RAMS Stand For?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a combined document used in UK construction that serves two purposes:

• Risk Assessment — identifies hazards, evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm, and documents control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
• Method Statement — describes the step-by-step safe working procedure, including the sequence of operations, equipment, materials, and safety measures.

Together, these form the backbone of health and safety management on construction sites. A RAMS proves to your client, principal contractor, and HSE that you have properly planned your work and identified how to do it safely.

When Do You Need a RAMS?

The short answer: for every construction job. Here are the specific situations:

• Any work on a construction site managed by a principal contractor — they will require your RAMS before you start
• Any high-risk activity: working at height, excavation, hot works, confined spaces, demolition, electrical work
• Any work involving hazardous substances (COSHH assessment required alongside RAMS)
• Any project notifiable to HSE under CDM 2015 (30+ working days with 20+ workers, or 500+ person-days)
• When tendering for work — clients increasingly require RAMS as part of the tender submission
• Insurance requirements — many insurers require evidence of RAMS for construction activities

Legal Requirements

Several pieces of UK legislation require risk assessments and safe working procedures:

What Should a RAMS Contain?

A comprehensive RAMS includes:

• Document control — version, date, author, reviewer, approval status
• Project information — site address, client, principal contractor, project duration
• Scope of works — detailed description of activities to be carried out
• Hazard identification table — each hazard with who is at risk, risk rating before controls, control measures, and residual risk rating after controls
• Risk assessment matrix — 5x5 likelihood x severity scoring
• Method statement — numbered step-by-step safe working procedure
• PPE requirements — specific to identified hazards, with BS EN standards
• Emergency procedures — first aid, fire, evacuation, environmental spill response
• Environmental considerations — noise, dust, waste management, water courses
• Welfare arrangements — toilets, washing facilities, rest area, drinking water
• Permits to work — for hot works, confined space, excavation, electrical isolation
• Training and competence — qualifications and cards required (CSCS, IPAF, PASMA, etc.)
• Signatures section — all operatives must sign before work commences

The Risk Matrix

The risk matrix scores each hazard by multiplying Likelihood (1-5) by Severity (1-5):