Risk Assessment vs Method Statement: What's the Difference?

If you work in construction or other high-risk industries, you've probably heard the term RAMS - Risk Assessment and Method Statement. But what exactly is the difference between these two documents, and when do you need each one?

The Quick Answer

• Risk Assessment: Identifies what could go wrong and how to control it
• Method Statement: Explains how to carry out the work safely, step-by-step

They're complementary documents that often go together, but they serve different purposes.

What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a document that:

• Identifies hazards in the workplace or task
• Evaluates the risks - how likely and how severe
• Specifies control measures to reduce the risks
• Records who might be harmed and how

It answers the question: "What could cause harm, and what are we doing about it?"

Risk Assessment Example

| Hazard | Who Might Be Harmed | Risk Level | Control Measures | |--------|---------------------|------------|------------------| | Working at height | Workers, public | High | Scaffolding with guardrails, harnesses | | Manual handling | Workers | Medium | Mechanical aids, team lifting | | Noise exposure | Workers | Medium | Hearing protection, limited exposure time |

What is a Method Statement?

A method statement is a document that:

• Describes the work to be carried out
• Lists the sequence of operations
• Specifies how each step will be done safely
• References the risk assessment for control measures
• Details resources needed (people, equipment, materials)

It answers the question: "How exactly will we do this work safely?"

Method Statement Example

Task: Installing roof sheets

1. Preparation

   • Check weather conditions (no work in winds >23mph)
   • Inspect access equipment
   • Brief workers on risk assessment

2. Access

   • Erect scaffolding with edge protection
   • Install safe access stairs (not ladders)
   • Check stability before use

3. Material Delivery

   • Use crane to lift materials to roof level
   • Secure materials to prevent movement
   • Keep walkways clear

4. Installation

   • Work from crawling boards on fragile areas
   • Fix sheets from leading edge
   • Use fall arrest systems when within 2m of edge

When Do You Need Each?

You Always Need a Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are a legal requirement for all work activities. If you employ 5 or more people, they must be written down.

You Need a Method Statement When:

• Working in construction (often required by CDM 2015)
• Carrying out high-risk activities
• Requested by a client or principal contractor
• Working on another employer's site
• The work is complex or unusual

Common Situations Requiring Both

• Construction work
• Demolition
• Working at height
• Excavations
• Hot works
• Confined space entry
• Lifting operations
• Work near live services

How They Work Together

The risk assessment and method statement are often combined as RAMS:

1. Risk Assessment identifies the hazards and controls
2. Method Statement describes how to implement those controls during the work

The method statement should reference the risk assessment, and the risk assessment should inform the method statement.

Example Relationship

Risk Assessment says:

• Hazard: Falls from height
• Control: Use fall arrest systems

Method Statement says:

• Step 3: All workers to don harnesses and attach to anchor points before stepping onto the roof
• Step 4: Safety supervisor to check harness attachment before work begins

Key Differences at a Glance

| Aspect | Risk Assessment | Method Statement | |--------|-----------------|-------------------| | Purpose | Identify hazards and controls | Describe how to work safely | | Format | Table-based, hazard-focused | Step-by-step, process-focused | | Legal requirement | Always required | For high-risk work | | Focus | What could go wrong | How to do it right | | Content | Hazards, risks, controls | Sequence, resources, procedures | | Updates | When risks change | When method changes |

Creating Both Documents

Risk Assessment Process

1. Identify hazards
2. Determine who might be harmed
3. Evaluate risks
4. Record control measures
5. Review regularly

Create your risk assessment

Method Statement Process

1. Describe the scope of work
2. List personnel and competencies
3. Detail equipment and materials
4. Set out the work sequence
5. Reference the risk assessment
6. Specify monitoring and supervision

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a method statement legally required?

Not always. Risk assessments are always required, but method statements are typically required for construction work under CDM 2015 or when specified by clients or principal contractors.

Can one risk assessment cover multiple tasks?

Yes, generic risk assessments can cover common hazards. But specific high-risk tasks need their own assessments.

Who writes the method statement?

Usually the contractor doing the work. It should be written by someone who understands the task and the safety requirements.

How detailed should a method statement be?

Detailed enough that a competent person could follow it safely. Not so detailed that it becomes impractical.

Summary

• Risk assessments identify hazards and controls - always required
• Method statements describe how to work safely - required for high-risk work
• Together they form RAMS documentation
• They complement each other and should be consistent

Next Steps

1. Create your risk assessment using our AI-powered generator
2. Use the risk assessment to inform your method statement
3. Ensure both documents are reviewed and updated regularly

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