What Are RAMS? A Simple Guide for UK Businesses

If you operate a business in the UK — especially in construction, maintenance, facilities management, manufacturing or engineering — you've likely come across the term RAMS. Yet many organisations still aren’t sure what RAMS include, how to use them correctly, or whether they are a legal requirement.

This guide breaks down everything UK businesses need to know about RAMS and how they help protect your team, your clients and your business.

For expert support, visit our RAMS: Risk Assessments & Method Statements page.

What Are RAMS?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. These documents are used together to explain:

1. The Risks (Risk Assessment)

A risk assessment identifies hazards, who may be harmed, and the measures needed to control those risks.

2. The Safe Working Method (Method Statement)

A method statement describes how to carry out a task safely, step-by-step, using the controls highlighted in the risk assessment.

Why Are RAMS Important for UK Businesses?

✔ Legal Compliance

RAMS help employers meet their duties under UK regulations such as:

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

They demonstrate “suitable and sufficient” planning, which is essential during audits, inspections or client reviews.

✔ Clear Communication on Site

RAMS documents support safe working by helping supervisors and workers understand:

• the task

• the hazards

• the correct sequence of work

• the safety measures required

This reduces confusion, delays, and unsafe shortcuts.

✔ Professionalism & Winning More Work

Clients and principal contractors frequently require RAMS before work starts. High-quality RAMS can strengthen tenders and show your business operates safely and responsibly.

What Should a Good RAMS Document Include?

1. Risk Assessment Section

A complete risk assessment should include:

• Task details, location and personnel

• Identified hazards

• Those at risk

• Risk ratings

• Control measures

• Review schedule

2. Method Statement Section

A strong method statement includes:

• Step-by-step work sequence

• Required tools, equipment and plant

• Access arrangements and site conditions

• Roles and responsibilities

• PPE and permit-to-work requirements

• Emergency procedures

• Version control and sign-off

When Should Businesses Use RAMS?

RAMS are essential when tasks involve:

• Working at height

• Confined spaces

• Electrical work

• Excavation

• Hot works

• Lifting operations

They’re also required when clients request them, when operating in public environments, or whenever the work is complex or involves multiple contractors.

Common RAMS Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Generic RAMS templates
➡ RAMS must be specific to the task, site and people involved.

❌ Unclear control measures
➡ Vague phrases like “use proper PPE” aren’t enough — be precise.

❌ Failing to communicate RAMS
➡ Workers must be briefed and able to ask questions before work starts.

❌ Not reviewing RAMS
➡ RAMS must be updated when the environment or task changes.

How to Create RAMS for Your Business

Follow these practical steps:

1. Identify the task

2. Break it into steps

3. Assess hazards at each stage

4. Define and document control measures

5. Write a clear method statement

6. Brief your operatives

7. Monitor, review and update

For professionally prepared RAMS that reflect your industry and activities, visit our page:
Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)

Final Thoughts

RAMS are more than compliance documents — they are essential tools for improving safety, building client trust, reducing accidents and demonstrating professionalism.

Whether you are a sole contractor or a multi-site business, investing in clear, accurate RAMS documents helps protect workers, strengthens contract bids and ensures legal compliance.