What makes a good RAMS document?

Risk assessments and method statements commonly referred to as RAMS are among the most frequently requested documents in UK construction and maintenance procurement. For contractors, the quality of RAMS can make the difference between winning work, passing a client audit, or failing a site inspection. Yet despite their importance, RAMS documents are often poorly produced, vague, or clearly generic rather than task-specific.

What are RAMS?

A risk assessment identifies the hazards associated with a specific work activity, evaluates the risk each hazard presents (taking into account existing controls), and records what further controls are required to reduce risk to an acceptable level. A method statement describes, step by step, how the work will be carried out safely, who is responsible for each step, and what equipment, training or certifications are needed.

Together, RAMS provide a written safe system of work a documented record of how a particular activity will be managed safely from start to finish.

What makes RAMS effective?

The most effective RAMS documents share a set of common characteristics:

• Specificity — the document refers to the actual task, the actual site or location, and the actual hazards present. Generic RAMS copied from templates and applied wholesale to every job are unlikely to satisfy an assessor or a client.
• Proportionality — the level of detail is appropriate to the risk. A low-hazard office task doesn't require 40 pages of analysis; a high-risk demolition activity requires thorough treatment of all significant hazards.
• Practical controls — the control measures described are specific, achievable and relevant. "Appropriate PPE to be worn" is not a control — "operatives to wear EN-rated safety helmets, high-visibility vests and steel-toed boots" is.
• Accurate residual risk ratings — after controls are applied, the residual risk rating should reflect the actual remaining risk, not simply repeat the initial rating.
• Worker briefing evidence — good RAMS include a record of how the document has been communicated to the workforce carrying out the work, typically via a sign-off sheet.

Common RAMS mistakes to avoid

• Using downloaded templates without tailoring them to the specific task
• Listing hazards that aren't relevant to the activity while missing genuine risks
• Stating control measures that aren't actually in place on site
• Using identical risk ratings for all hazards regardless of the actual likelihood or severity
• Failing to review and update RAMS when the work scope, location or method changes

RAMS for growing contractors

As contractors grow, their documentation needs to grow with them. What might have passed for a small, single-trade subcontractor applying for their first CHAS membership may not be sufficient when tendering for a larger framework or responding to a PQQ from a major principal contractor.

BroadSteps Consultancy Ltd works with contractors to create and review RAMS documentation, ensuring it accurately reflects work activities, meets client and accreditation requirements, and is written in a format your workforce can follow and apply on the ground.