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

 

Working at heights course

Working in the construction industry can make it difficult to avoid working at heights on a daily basis our working at heights course addresses this issue. Although it may not be possible to avoid the risk you can ensure that you manage it by being aware of how to work safely.

Working at height safely is the responsibly of your employer as well as yourself. You should always be aware of the risks and ensure these are managed correctly. Every new job you are asked to work on will have been fully risk assessed and you should see a copy of this before you start. These risks have been measured on the sequence of events you are working too, if these change you need to be aware of what to look out for to ensure your safety.

1. Where possible try to use extendable tools or mechanical assistance to avoid you working at height.
2. Try to identify a safe place to work that is already in place, e.g  a concrete flat roof or guarded mezzanine floor.
3. Never work on a surface that is vulnerable such as glass roof. If this is not possible explore the use of machinery such as  an elevated work platform or a tower scaffold.
4. Try and minimise the distance of a possible fall, there are numerous ways to do this safely
5. For jobs requiring a small distance form the ground, Stepladders and Platform Ladders are a suitable option. These can only be used where the risk has been deemed as low.

Working at heights training course

If you are still unsure and would like to look at refreshing your knowledge we offer an e-learning course for you to sit whenever is convenient for you.

Constructionline is the largest pre-qualification database in the UK

Being a member of Constructionline can be beneficial for all sized companies you just need to know what you want to get out of it to make sure it can deliver an ROI for your company.  Constructionline is used by the big contractors and public bodies to pre qualify your business and your ability to carry out a project in terms of financials as well as operational process including Health & Safety. Constructionline has  over 8,000 key decision makers from over 2,000 buying organisations. They  use Constructionline to select quality suppliers so constructionline can be a great tool to promote your services and gain new work opportunities.

Constructionline is a UK compliance and procurement platform used by contractors, suppliers, and public sector buyers. It helps businesses prove they meet industry standards for:

• Health & Safety (SSIP)
• Insurance
• Financial standing
• Environmental & quality management
• Workforce credentials

Your login dashboard is where you manage all of this information.

1. Will being registered on Constructionline guarantee me work?

Constructionline’s primary objective is to streamline the tender process and reduce duplication of work for everyone involved.  The aim is to reduce the amount of paperwork you face at the tender stage. Constructionline cannot guarantee that you will win contracts as a result of your membership. Although having your details available to over 8,000 buyers, membership can act as a sales and marketing tool for your business. Constructionline is widely recognised within the construction industry, and meeting their criteria is only a good thing. Getting accredited will help you win more work by leveraging your sales skills.

Get Accredited and Win More Work!

2. Can I check which buyers have viewed my company details?

You can see a full history of your views by clicking on the Log In button in the top right-hand corner of this page. Enter your user name and password. Select the Reports tab and the report you require. Enter the Date From and Date To dates and select Run Report. Either print the report or save it to your desktop.

3. Will buyers be interested in my company if I register as i am only a small contractor?

Alot more buyers are looking for small, local contractors to employ because they are keen to re-invest in the local communities. The Constructionline system itself enables buyers to put in fairly complex search criteria so they are able to specify what size of company they would prefer to use. Therefore, if you are a small company it would be a great asset to join Constructionline and already, over 50% of our contractors are suppliers with a turnover of less than £1 million and 29% have a turnover of less than £250,000.

4. How much does it cost to register with Constructionline?

Constructionline is free to procurers. Suppliers pay an annual fee based on their turnover. Fees start at £90 plus VAT and you can register for an unlimited number of work categories and work locations.

5. How to Log In to Constructionline – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Go to the Constructionline Login Page

Use the official Constructionline portal to access your account.

2. Enter Your Email and Password

Use the email address registered with your membership.

3. Complete the Security Verification (if prompted)

Constructionline may request authentication for added account security.

4. Click “Sign In”

You will be taken to your dashboard, where you’ll see:

• Membership status
• SSIP or Acclaim Accreditation progress
• Renewal deadlines
• Document upload sections
• Tasks you must complete
• Buyer opportunities

Constructionline Login Problems & How to Fix Them

1. Forgotten Password

If you can’t remember your password:

• Click “Forgot Password?”
• Enter your registered email
• Check your inbox for a reset link
• Create a new password

Tip: Check spam/junk folders if the email doesn’t arrive.

2. Email Not Recognised

If Constructionline says your email isn’t valid:

• Make sure you’re using the correct business email
• Ask your admin if they changed login details
• Contact Constructionline support to verify the account owner

3. Two-Step Verification Not Working

Possible fixes:

• Try another browser
• Enable pop-ups
• Use a different device
• Request a new verification code

4. Can’t Access the Dashboard

This usually means:

• Your membership is expired
• A payment is overdue
• The system is updating

Try logging in again after 5–10 minutes or contact support.

 

What You Can Do After Logging In

The Constructionline dashboard gives you access to several areas essential for compliance:

✔ Upload RAMS, policies & documents

Health & Safety Policy
Risk assessments
Insurance certificates
Environmental policy
Quality management documents

✔ Manage Acclaim Accreditation (SSIP)

Upload evidence for:

• H&S competence
• Training records
• Workplace safety procedures

✔ Track Renewal Deadlines

Never miss an annual assessment or SSIP renewal.

✔ Update Business Profile

Buyers see:

• Services you offer
• Trade categories
• Experience
• Regions you cover

✔ Access Buyer Opportunities

Some buyers only work with Constructionline members.

 

Tips to Make Your Constructionline Account Work Harder for You

1. Keep Documents Up to Date

Expired insurance or missing policies can suspend your profile.

2. Complete Every Section

A 100% complete profile ranks better in buyer searches.

3. Add Case Studies & Testimonials

These increase your attractiveness to buyers.

4. Use the Email Alerts

You’ll receive notifications for:

• Missing documents
• Buyer interest
• Renewal reminders

5. Download Your SSIP Certificate

You can show clients you meet UK H&S requirements.

How can we help?

We can complete the application, gather all required documents and answers to questions, and compile all necessary evidence, allowing you to focus on your job. We are efficient, economical and have a 100% success rate. Get accredited and win more work.

Get Accredited and Win More Work!

Looking for CHAS renewal forms?

CHAS adopt the same system for their renewals as they do for new registrations, all registrations are now online and you can register on CHAS website. When you go to the website you will be given the following options at the top of the right hand side of the screen:

• Renew
• Apply
• Login

If you click on renew you will be taken to a log in screen where you are required to add email address and password. There is a forgot password option if you have forgotten the details you used last year. If you don’t have the same email address you will need to call CHAS on 0208 545 3838 and they will help you.

Once you have logged in, you will be able to complete your CHAS renewal application online and once complete you can submit for assessment.

STOP THINK

There is a quick way to get your CHAS renewed. We renew over 1,000 CHAS application per year, we can do it for you CALL 0800 031 5404 during office hours or complete the form on this link telling us you are looking for a CHAS renewal.

CHAS renewal costs

CHAS offers three membership packages with different levels of accreditation:

CHAS Standard

The entry-level package includes a health and safety assessment and SSIP accreditation. CHAS membership fees

CHAS Advanced

The mid-range package includes all the Standard package benefits, plus helps you achieve SSIP and PAS 91 accreditation. CHAS membership fees

CHAS Elite

The highest level of accreditation includes all the benefits of the other packages, plus access to the Common Assessment Standard. CHAS membership fees

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 accreditation cost
• SIPP accreditation and CHAS
• CHAS assessment criteria
• CHAS deem to satisfy
• CHAS Training Guidance
• Competent person and CHAS
• CHAS support

If you have any questions on what is CHAS accreditation please get in touch.

 

What is Acclaim?

Acclaim is the Heath & Safety section within Constructionline, Acclaim membership starts at  £150 to £600 depending on the turnover your company has each year. This section of Constructionline is also a member of  ‘Safety Schemes In Procurement’ (SSIP).

There are a number of alternative SSIP accreditation’s that can be used for this section which you may already have or be able to achieve:

• CHAS
• SMAS
• PQS

We have a blog that goes through everything you need to know about alternative SSIP Accreditions.

Summary of the benefits of Acclaim

Simple – The Acclaim questionnaire has 12 unique questions which do not include any information you have already provided as part of your constructionline application.
Credible – The Acclaim Accreditation is known throughout the industry, the assessment is clear and transparent. All the assessors are employed  at Capita Property and Infrastructure and will provide a  fair and transparent assessment process.
No Duplication – As part of the SSIP umbrella group you will be able to use your Acclaim accreditation to deem to satisfy for other accreditation should you need to please read our blog.

What will an Acclaim accreditation cover?

All assessments are completed using the SSIP Core Criteria as the threshold standard and cover the following:

• Health & Safety policy
• Competent Advice
• Training arrangements
• Monitoring, audit and review
• Workforce involvement
• Accident reporting and enforcement action
• Subcontracting/consulting
• Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work
• Cooperations with others
• Welfare provision
• Hazard elimination

How much does an assessment cost?

Fees charged by our members vary and take into account other membership fees. It is essential to recognise that all assessments are equal and all are carried out against the same standard.

If you are not sure feel free to call us for support.

How long will it take to get a certificate?

This varies from scheme to scheme and is dependent on you providing everything needed for the assessment. Typically, schemes will try to complete their initial assessment within ten working days.

Who is Seguro and how can you help me?

Seguro is a health and safety company that specialises in SSIP accreditation. We completed over 500 applications per year. Our success rate is 100%.

We are here to support you through the acclaim accreditation process; we can prepare all the documents, complete the registration forms, and simplify the process. CHAS is expensive, but other providers are very economical. The best thing to do is chat with us and learn more; we can tell you about the costs and the time frame. Our number is 0800 031 5404, or you can request a quote.