1,900 UK searches/month

RAMS Guide: Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Learn what RAMS documents are, when you need them, and how to create professional Risk Assessment and Method Statement documents for your work.

What Are RAMS?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement — two documents often combined into one

Risk Assessment

Identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and documents control measures. Follows the HSE 5-step methodology.

  • Hazards identified
  • Who might be harmed
  • Risk evaluation (likelihood × severity)
  • Control measures
  • Review date
Method Statement

Describes how the work will be carried out safely. A step-by-step safe system of work.

  • Work sequence
  • Equipment and materials
  • Safety precautions
  • Emergency procedures
  • Supervision requirements

When Do You Need RAMS?

RAMS are commonly required for construction and high-risk work

Construction sites (required by CDM Regulations)
High-risk work activities
Working at height
Demolition or structural work
Work in occupied premises
Client or principal contractor requirements
Local authority or council requirements

Note: While our generator creates comprehensive risk assessments, a full RAMS document also requires a method statement section. You can use our risk assessment as the foundation and add your method statement separately.

How to Create RAMS

Follow these steps to create comprehensive RAMS documents

1
Assess the Risks

Identify all hazards associated with the work. Consider who might be harmed and how. Evaluate the level of risk.

2
Define Control Measures

Determine what measures will eliminate or reduce risks. Include PPE, training, equipment, and supervision.

3
Plan the Work Sequence

Break down the job into logical steps. Describe how each step will be carried out safely.

4
Document Everything

Write up the risk assessment and method statement clearly. Include all relevant details and make it site-specific.

5
Communicate to Workers

Brief all workers on the RAMS before work starts. Ensure they understand the hazards and controls.

Create Your Risk Assessment Now

Generate the risk assessment portion of your RAMS in 60 seconds. Then add your method statement to complete the document.

Start Your Assessment

About RAMS Documents

RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) documents are essential for UK construction and trades work. They combine two critical health and safety documents into one comprehensive package that demonstrates how work will be carried out safely.

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), construction projects require appropriate risk assessments and method statements. Many clients and principal contractors also require RAMS before allowing work to commence on their sites.

Our risk assessment generator creates the risk assessment portion following the HSE 5-step methodology. For a complete RAMS document, add a method statement describing the sequence of work, equipment used, and specific safety procedures.