Health & Safety

How To Write A RAMS (Risk Assessment & Method Statement)

A RAMS is the document main contractors and auditors look for first. It combines a Risk Assessment (what could go wrong) with a Method Statement (how the work will be done safely). Done well it wins tenders. Done poorly it stops work on site.

Get The Free Compliance Pack Apply For Membership

The Steps

1
Define the activity and scope
State the exact task, location, dates and personnel involved. Vague RAMS get rejected. List every distinct activity separately rather than lumping them together.
2
Identify the hazards
Walk the activity step by step and list every hazard: falls, manual handling, electricity, noise, dust, machinery, lone working, working at height, COSHH substances. Reference HSE guidance where applicable.
3
Identify who could be harmed
List employees, subcontractors, members of the public, vulnerable persons (young workers, pregnant workers, neurodiverse staff). Be specific.
4
Score the risk
Use a 5x5 matrix: Likelihood (1 to 5) x Severity (1 to 5). Anything 15 or above must have additional controls before work starts.
5
List the control measures
Hierarchy of control: Eliminate, Substitute, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, PPE. Always work top down. PPE is the last resort, never the first answer.
6
Re-score the residual risk
After controls, re-score. The residual risk should be 8 or below. If not, add more controls or stop the activity.
7
Write the method statement
Sequential, numbered steps explaining exactly how the work will be done safely. Include emergency procedures, first aid arrangements, and who is the appointed person.
8
Sign off and brief the team
Author, reviewer and approver must all sign. Every operative must read and sign that they understand it before starting work. Keep records for at least 3 years.