How to Write Effective RAMS for Construction and Maintenance Work
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are a critical part of managing health and safety in construction and maintenance work. Well-written RAMS not only help you meet legal requirements, but also protect workers, reduce incidents, and demonstrate professionalism to clients and contractors.
In this guide, we explain how to write effective RAMS, what to include, and how to avoid common mistakes—helping you produce documents that are clear, compliant, and practical on site.
If you need professional support or fully tailored documents, visit our RAMS – Risk Assessments & Method Statements service
What Are RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements:
Risk Assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and outline control measures.
Method Statements explain how work will be carried out safely, step by step.
Together, RAMS demonstrate that risks have been properly considered and controlled before work begins—something clients, principal contractors, and regulators expect as standard.
Why Effective RAMS Are Essential in Construction and Maintenance
Clear, site-specific RAMS help to:
Comply with UK health and safety legislation
Reduce accidents and near misses
Protect employees, subcontractors, and the public
Meet contractor and client requirements
Avoid delays caused by rejected or inadequate documentation
Generic or poorly written RAMS are one of the most common reasons work is stopped on site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Effective RAMS
1. Define the Scope of Work
Start by clearly describing the task. Include:
What work is being carried out
Where it will take place
Who will be involved
The duration of the work
The more specific you are, the more effective your RAMS will be.
2. Identify Hazards
Identify all hazards associated with the task, such as:
Working at height
Manual handling
Electrical risks
Machinery and tools
Slips, trips, and falls
Exposure to dust, noise, or hazardous substances
Hazard identification should reflect the actual site conditions, not a generic scenario.
3. Assess the Risks
Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm for each hazard. This helps prioritise risks and shows that you have taken a structured approach to safety management.
Risk assessments should always consider who may be affected, including workers, visitors, and members of the public.
4. Specify Control Measures
For each hazard, clearly define control measures that reduce risk to an acceptable level. These may include:
Safe systems of work
PPE requirements
Training and competence
Supervision
Equipment checks
Permits or authorisations
Control measures should be realistic, achievable, and clearly explained.
5. Write a Clear Method Statement
The method statement explains how the work will be done safely. It should include:
Sequence of work activities
Roles and responsibilities
Equipment and materials used
Safety controls in place
Emergency procedures
Use plain language so that operatives can easily understand and follow the instructions.
6. Review and Customize
RAMS should always be tailored to the specific task, site, and workforce. Review documents regularly and update them when:
Site conditions change
Work methods change
New hazards are identified
For fully tailored, compliant RAMS created by experienced safety professionals, see our dedicated service page: RAMS | Risk Assessments & Method Statements
7. Communicate RAMS to the Workforce
Even the best RAMS are ineffective if they are not communicated properly. Ensure that:
RAMS are briefed before work starts
Workers understand the risks and controls
Copies are available on site
Questions and feedback are encouraged
This improves safety culture and compliance on site.
Common RAMS Mistakes to Avoid
Using generic templates without tailoring
Overcomplicating documents with unnecessary jargon
Failing to update RAMS when conditions change
Not involving workers in the process
Treating RAMS as paperwork rather than practical guidance
Effective RAMS should be clear, concise, and site-specific.
Conclusion
Writing effective RAMS for construction and maintenance work is essential for legal compliance, site safety, and professional credibility. By clearly identifying hazards, assessing risks, and explaining safe working methods, you help protect your workforce and keep projects running smoothly.
If you need expert support with Risk Assessments and Method Statements, Tailored Safety provides professional, compliant, and site-specific RAMS to suit your business needs.
