Construction RAMS: Complete Guide – What They Are + How to Write Them Properly
Your essential guide to Risk Assessments and Method Statements for UK construction businesses.
What Are Construction RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement.
They are the two core documents contractors must produce before starting any construction work:
- Risk Assessment (RA) – identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and records control measures.
- Method Statement (MS) – explains step-by-step how a task will be carried out safely.
Together, RAMS ensure:
✔ Workers understand the job
✔ Controls are in place
✔ You comply with CDM 2015
✔ You satisfy client, principal contractor or SSIP accreditation requirements
Why RAMS for Construction
Construction remains one of the UK’s highest-risk industries. RAMS help to:
- Prevent accidents and injuries
- Ensure compliance with HSE and CDM regulations
- Demonstrate competence to clients
- Protect your business legally and financially
- Achieve CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor and other SSIP accreditations
Poor or incomplete RAMS are a major reason for work being stopped on site.
What Should Construction RAMS Include?
A compliant set of RAMS typically contains:
1. Project details
- Company name
- Project address
- Site contact
- Principal contractor
- Start/end dates
2. Description of the task
What work is being done, where, and by who.
3. Key hazards
Common construction hazards include:
- Working at height
- Manual handling
- Excavations
- Plant and machinery
- COSHH substances
- Live services
- Noise, vibration and dust
4. Risk evaluation
For each hazard:
- Likelihood
- Severity
- Risk level
- Control measures
5. Method Statement (safe system of work)
A clear, step-by-step description of how the work will be completed safely, including:
- Preparation
- Sequence of operations
- PPE required
- Tools and equipment
- Emergency arrangements
6. Qualifications and training
Evidence of competency:
- CSCS cards
- CPCS/NPORS
- SSSTS/SMSTS
- Task-specific training
7. Sign-off
Signatures from operatives, supervisors, and management.
How to Write RAMS for Construction (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Understand the scope of work
Speak with the site manager, client or principal contractor. Confirm:
- Access routes
- Site conditions
- What other trades are doing
- Any unique project risks
Step 2 — Identify hazards and control measures
Use HSE guidance to ensure hazards are correctly assessed.
Include hierarchical controls:
- Eliminate
- Substitute
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- PPE
Step 3 — Write a clear Method Statement
Explain the job in a way all workers can understand.
Use bullet points, diagrams (if needed), and avoid jargon.
Step 4 — Add emergency procedures
Cover fire, first aid, plant breakdown, spills, rescue procedures, etc.
Step 5 — Review and update regularly
RAMS must be project-specific, not generic. Update when:
- Conditions change
- Equipment changes
- Workers change
- Additional risks appear
Common Mistakes in Construction RAMS
❌ Copy-and-paste documents
❌ No project-specific details
❌ Not covering all hazards
❌ No reference to other trades on site
❌ Overly complex or unclear documents
❌ Missing signatures
❌ Not reviewed after site changes
RAMS for SSIP Accreditations (CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor)
If you’re applying for CHAS, Constructionline or any SSIP scheme, RAMS are essential.
They must demonstrate:
- Competent risk assessments
- Task-specific method statements
- Evidence of briefings
- Clear safety controls
- Worker competence
Most SSIP failures happen because RAMS are generic or incomplete.
Benefits of Outsourcing Your RAMS
A professional H&S advisor can ensure:
✔ Legally compliant documents
✔ Faster approvals by principal contractors
✔ Reduced project delays
✔ Peace of mind
✔ Support with SSIP accreditations
If RAMS are rejected, it costs time, money and reputation.
Buy RAMS
Some of our RAMs are 18 pages long, contain 12,000 words, and are written by fully qualified professional health and safety consultants. We have over 300 available to purchase for as little as £10 each. Review our RAMS. shop
Conclusion
Construction RAMS are essential for safe, compliant work under CDM 2015.
Clear, task-specific RAMS protect workers, reduce delays, impress clients and support accreditation.
