What is a Risk Assessment & Method Statement?

A Risk Assessment & Method Statement is used to describe in a logical sequence exactly how work  is to be carried out using safe practices and without risks to health. It should include all the risks previously identified in the risk assessment and the measures needed to control those risks.

How do I complete a risk assessment?

The Good News

We have over 150 comprehensive risk assessment and method statement templates. They have been developed by qualified health and safety professionals. If we dont have one you require, we can write a bespoke one for you.

Our method statement risk assessment document proactively identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks.

The documents cover all the appropriate Control Procedures and Hazards for a typical job but can be easily edited to your needs. This is a ready-to-use document that can be implemented in your business straight away.

You can add your brand and adjust the content to fit your site constraints.

Includes:

• 9 to 18 pages of content
• 3,000 to 18,000 words

Additional Information:

• The document covers all the appropriate Hazards and Control Procedures for a typical job
• In “MS Word” format
• Fully editable – include your company logo and details
• The template should be changed to suit the specific job you are performing

Delivery Method:

Available to download instantly once purchased to your email address, ready to start editing to make specific to suit the exact job you are carrying out.

Looking for additional examples of risk assessments and method statements? Explore our extensive range of Risk Assessment Method Statement Templates.

Review some of our RAMS below:

RA1 – Working at Heights
RA2 – Access and Egress
RA3 – Use of Power Tools
RA4 – Working with other Trades
RA5 – Emergency and Fire Evacuation
RA6 – Working within Domestic Properties
RA7 – Personal Safety
RA8 – Lone Working
RA9 – Contact with Biological Hazards, Asbestos etc
RA10 – Use of Wheel Mounted Equipment
RA11 – Working During Non and Poor Daylight   Hours
RA12 – Housekeeping & Storage of Equipment &   Materials
RA13 – Young Persons
RA14a – Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
RA14b – PPE Continued
RA15 – Mobile Tower Scaffolds
RA16 – Use of Ladders
RA17 – Use of Hand Tools
RA18 – Portable Electrical Equipment
RA19 – Cartridge Operating Tools
RA20 – Access Scaffolding
RA21 – Use of Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWPS)
RA22 – Deep Excavations
RA23 – Disc Cutters and Abrasive Wheels
RA24 – Installation of Temporary Electrical Supplies
RA25 – Storage of Materials
RA26 – Company Vehicles
RA27 – Working near Water
RA28 – Work near Power Lines
RA29 – Gas Welding & Cutting Equipment
RA30 – Use of Arc Welding Equipment
RA31 – Electrical Work – Up to 415 Volts
RA32 – Cable Pulling
RA33 – Chasing out for Cable Runs
RA34 – Installation of Cable Trunking and Cable Trays
RA35 – Electrical Testing and Commissioning of Equipment
RA36 – Work in Electrical Workshop
RA37a – Use of Step Ladders
RA37b – Use of Step Ladders Continued
RA38 – Mobile Phones
RA39 – Dismountable Camera
RA40 – Mini Steps
RA41 – Small Dumpers
RA42 – Excavator used for Lifting
RA43 – Slinging of Loads
RA44 – Underground Services
RA45 – Concreting
RA46 – Mobile Cranes
RA47 – Use of Trestles
RA48 – Erection / Use of False Work
RA49 – Laying of Flags and Kerbs
RA50 – Minor Demolition
RA51 – Rendering
RA52 – Use of lifting equipment
RA53 – Asbestos Containing Material
RA54 – Disposal Fluorescent luminaries
RA55 – Disposal Skips
RA56 – Disposal Waste Materials
RA57 – Highly Flammable Liquids Storage & Use
RA58 – Lead & Lead Compounds
RA59 – LPG
RA60 – Excavators
RA61 – Control of Dust
RA62 – Fire on Site
RA63 – Offices, Welfare & Storage
RA64 – Road Transport on Site
RA65 – Working in and around occupied premises

Buy a risk any RAM for £10 each Risk Assessment Method Statement Templates.

The different between a small and a large CHAS application

Understand the difference between a small and a large CHAS application and the impact of employee numbers on requirements. We often get companies asking us what is the difference between having 4 employees or 5 when applying for CHAS. CHAS define an employee as someone who you pay through your PAYE system, there are different assessment fees due depending on the number of employees you declare.

In particular to CHAS there is an increased number of documents you need to provide as well as evidence of your safety arrangements including Health & Safety policy.

Once you have 5 employees or more you have legal requirements under the Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1974, you need to have formal arrangements in place for competent Safety advice as well as a full Heath & Safety Management system.

Learn more about CHAS

We have a series of articles where you can learn more about CHAS. The list of articles is below:

• What is CHAS
• CHAS accreditations
• CHAS registration
• Guide to CHAS
• CHAS renewal
• CHAS accreditation cost
• SIPP accreditation and CHAS
• CHAS deem to satisfy
• CHAS Training Guidance
• Competent person and CHAS
• CHAS support

If you are not sure which bracket you fall under, or if you have enough documentation to satisfy the assessment get in touch and we will be able to provide you with advice.

Working at Height Training

Working at height training is critical as trips and falls within business remains one of the biggest causes of major injuries and fatalities. The most common causes include falls from ladders, roofs and through weak surfaces.

The definition of ‘Work at height’ is working anywhere; if there were no measures in place, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury (for example, a fall off a ladder when you are working on a roof).

Your responsibilities?

As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that all work carried out by your employees has been carefully planned, looking at the risks involved. These should then be measured using a risk assessment and method statement to ensure that you are doing everything possible to manage the risk by adopting the avoid, prevent and minimise rule.

Do’s and don’ts of working at height

Do….

• Ensure that when working at height, there is a safe route to and from ground level.
• Try to do as much of the work required from ground level.
• Ensure all equipment is suitable and maintained.
• Ensure extra precautions are taken when working near weak surfaces.

Don’t…

• Overload ladders refer to all mechanical information that is provided to ensure the machinery is fit for purpose.
• Overreach on ladders or stepladders
• Rest a ladder against weak surfaces, e.g. glazing or plastic gutters.
• Use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks; only use them for light work of short duration (a maximum of 30 minutes at a time)

Get your people working at height trained.

Book them onto a  Working At Heights E-Learning training program to protect yourself from prosecution and keep your people safe from trips and falls.

Our E-learning courses can be taken on-site, which is very easy to do and very economical. You can try one for FREE to see the quality.

CDM Construction Phase Plan

Know your responsibilities

As potential Contractors under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, you need to be aware of your responsibilities. The CDM Regulations require all construction projects to have a construction phase plan (CPP), you will need to ensure this is in place before any works commence.

Buy CDM construction phase plan template

You will need to produce a construction phase plan describing how you will manage the various safety aspects of the works. The Managing Director in conjunction with the Supervisor shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of secured contracts Health and Safety documentation. The Site Supervisor shall co-ordinate the activities of all operatives to ensure they comply with the construction phase plan including contract Health and Safety requirements and legislation, plus check on the provisions of information and training of all employees, where appropriate, as well as subcontractor’s health and safety, when appointed.

When/if acting as Principal Contractor the following protocol will be adopted:

• Develop and maintain a Construction Phase Plan as required by The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Through on-site management ensure that every contractor complies with the rules set out in the health and safety plan.
• Ensure co-operation between all contractors;
• Taken steps to ensure that only authorised persons are allowed onto the construction site area.
• Ensure that the particulars of the F10 Notification are displayed in a prominent location on the site where they can be read by any person working on the project;
• Keep the up-to-date with any information required to go into the health and safety file;
• Oversee and ensure compliance with Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
• Monitor and ensure all work is carried out in accordance with approved/agreed Risk Assessments and Method Statements and ensure that staff and sub-contractors are appropriately qualified/certified to carry out the work;
• Undertake regular site inspection and feed forward to regular toolbox talks with contract staff and sub-contractors.
• Manage the interface between the construction and the site operations to ensure minimum disruption to operations.

If your looking for help with the Construction Phase Plan and purchasing templates get in touch

What Is a Risk Assessment

What is a risk assessment? A clear, practical explanation for contractors, builders, and construction SMEs.

A construction risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It identifies the hazards associated with construction work, evaluates who may be harmed, how serious the risks are, and the control measures required to keep people safe.

In simple terms:
👉 A risk assessment explains what could go wrong — and how you will stop it from happening.

Risk assessments form the backbone of your wider RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements) and ensure safe, compliant, and well-managed construction sites.

Why RAMS Matter in Construction

Construction is one of the highest-risk industries in the UK. Without structured RAMS, accidents become more likely — especially involving:

• Working at height

• Manual handling

• Machinery and plant

• Lifting operations

• Excavations and groundworks

• Noise, dust, vibration, and hazardous substances

A RAMS helps contractors:
✔ Reduce accidents and injuries
✔ Stay compliant with UK law
✔ Protect workers, clients, subcontractors & the public
✔ Avoid costly delays, fines, or enforcement
✔ Win more work (clients now ask for RAMS upfront)

Do You Legally Need a Construction Risk Assessment?

Yes — every construction business must carry out risk assessments, regardless of size.

And if you have 5 or more employees, you must write them down.

Even sole traders are responsible for completing RA for higher-risk tasks.

SHOP For Your Method and Risk Assessments Here

Who Should Carry Out a Risk Assessment and Method Statement?

RAMS must be completed by a competent person, meaning someone with:

• Experience in the type of construction work

• Knowledge of site hazards

• Training in health & safety principles

Many small contractors use:
🔹 A health & safety advisor
🔹 A site manager or supervisor
🔹 An external consultant

Five Steps to Risk Assessment

There are five steps to a risk assessment. A strong, HSE-compliant risk assessment should cover the following:

1. Hazard Identification

Anything with the potential to cause harm, such as:

• Working at height

• Ladders

• Electricity

• Tools and equipment

• Moving vehicles

• Materials handling

• Excavations

• Hot works

2. Who Could Be Harmed?

For example:

• Workers

• Subcontractors

• Visitors

• Members of the public

• Delivery drivers

• Neighbours

3. Risk Evaluation (Severity + Likelihood)

This determines how dangerous the activity is and how urgently controls are needed.

4. Control Measures

This is where you state how risks will be reduced, such as:

• Scaffold with guardrails

• Machine guarding

• Dust suppression

• PPE

• Training and supervision

• Permit systems

• Signage

5. Residual Risk & Monitoring

Even after controls, some risk remains — this must be evaluated and monitored.

Examples of Construction RAMS

Common types include:

• Working at Height

• Manual Handling

• COSHH (cement, silica dust, adhesives, solvents)

• Excavation & Groundworks

• Use of Power Tools

• Lifting Operations

• Traffic Management

• Noise & Vibration

• Hot Works

• Confined Spaces

These normally sit within your RAMS pack.

When Must a RAM Be Reviewed?

RAMS should be reviewed:

• At the start of every project

• If the work changes

• After an accident or near-miss

• If new equipment or materials are used

• When site conditions change (weather, environment, layout)

A RAM is not a one-off document — it’s a living, working safety tool.

Risk Assessment vs Method Statement (RAMS)

Many contractors confuse the two, but the difference is simple:

• Risk Assessment → identifies hazards & risks

• Method Statement → explains how the work will be done safely

Together, they form your RAMS.

Benefits of Doing Proper Construction RAMS

For contractors and SMEs, the benefits go beyond compliance:

✔ Fewer accidents

✔ Stronger reputation with clients

✔ Better productivity

✔ Lower insurance claims

✔ A safer workforce

✔ Easier onboarding of subcontractors

✔ Higher-quality tenders and bids

Shop for your RAMS

It’s Quicker and more economical to buy RAMS that are written by professional health and safety experts. Some of our RAMS are twelve pages long and contain over 10,000 words. Save time and buy, they are only £10 each.

SHOP For Your Method and Risk Assessments Here

Conclusion: Construction RAMS Are Essential

A RAM is more than a form — it’s the foundation of a safe, compliant and efficient construction site. By identifying hazards, understanding the risks, and putting strong controls in place, you protect your workers, your business and your reputation. Learn the five steps to risk assessments and teach others.

Five Steps to Risk Assessment Infographic

 

HSE Video on Risks

Top Tips for Manual Handing

Did you know Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries?

Top Tips for Manual Handling. These injuries can include pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of all varieties.

Manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering and carrying. If any of these tasks are not carried out correctly there is a risk of injury.

Here are the top tips to make sure you ensure you handle correctly:

• Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
• Lift with your legs and body weight.
• Use handles or lift aids where appropriate.
• Have a good grip on the load.
• Stand close to the load and face the direction you intend to move.
• Lift load as close to the center of your body as possible.
• Lift smoothly without Jerking.
• Avoid lifting, side bending and carrying loads with one hand.

If you need any help with Manual Handling why not visit our site:

Manual Handling Elearning

Manual Handling Training Presentation 

Manual Handling Risk Assessment

More top tips for manual handling can be discovered in our training programs.

Construction Site Safety Documents

Setting up a construction site and making sure that you have all the necessary documentation and details can be a laborious and time consuming task. Specialising in Construction and having experience on site we have been providing information to our clients for a number of years.

Based on the frequency we were asked to provide the details we decided to provide them as a product to help everyone who may need it.

Our Construction Site Safety Documents provide you with everything you need in one place allowing you to comply with the latest legislation.

The Safety Software includes

• 65 completed risk assessments
• 41 COSHH Assessments
• Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan (CDM 2015), which can be easily amended and edited for specific projects
• 70 Toolbox Talks
• Site inspection Check Sheets – Scaffold, Dumper, Excavator etc
• Permits to Work – Confined Space, Excavation, Hot Work, Asbestos, etc
• Site Setup Check Sheet
• Site Induction
• Site Rules
• Registers

STOP AND THINK

Our site management tools where designed to set up our own site many years ago. We put the files onto a laptop for our site managers. It saved us a fortune over the years both in time and money. The purchase of this site management toolkit is a great investment. Click on the link to buy.

Construction site safety documents and tools