Understanding RAMS Documents

A RAMS document, which stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement, is a fundamental safety document used in the construction industry. It combines two critical components: an assessment of potential hazards and risks associated with a specific task, and a detailed description of how that task will be carried out safely.

In the UK construction industry, RAMS documents are not just best practice—they're often a legal requirement under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The Two Components of RAMS

1. Risk Assessment

The risk assessment portion identifies:

• Hazards: Anything with the potential to cause harm, such as working at height, electrical systems, or hazardous substances
• Who might be harmed: Workers, visitors, members of the public, or specific vulnerable groups
• Risk level: The likelihood and severity of harm occurring
• Control measures: Actions to eliminate or reduce the risk to an acceptable level
• Residual risk: The remaining risk after controls are implemented

2. Method Statement

The method statement describes:

• Scope of work: What exactly will be done
• Sequence of operations: Step-by-step breakdown of the work
• Resources required: Personnel, equipment, and materials
• Safety procedures: How each step will be carried out safely
• Emergency procedures: What to do if something goes wrong

Why RAMS Documents Are Essential

Legal Compliance

Under UK law, employers have a duty to assess risks and implement control measures. CDM 2015 specifically requires that construction work is planned, managed, and monitored to ensure health and safety. RAMS documents provide evidence that these duties are being met.

Preventing Accidents

The construction industry has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. Proper risk assessment and method statements help identify hazards before work begins, allowing teams to implement controls that prevent accidents.

Communication

RAMS documents ensure everyone understands the hazards and how work should be carried out. They're used in toolbox talks, site inductions, and ongoing safety briefings.

Contractual Requirements

Most principal contractors require subcontractors to submit RAMS before starting work. Without approved RAMS, you may not be allowed on site.

When Do You Need a RAMS Document?

RAMS documents should be prepared for:

• Any construction, renovation, or demolition work
• Work involving significant hazards (height, confined spaces, electricity)
• Tasks required by principal contractors
• Work affecting members of the public
• Activities involving multiple trades or contractors
• Non-routine or complex operations

Key Elements of a Good RAMS Document

An effective RAMS document should be:

• Site-specific: Tailored to the actual conditions and location, not a generic template
• Task-specific: Focused on the particular work being undertaken
• Clear and understandable: Written so all workers can understand it
• Comprehensive: Covering all foreseeable hazards and controls
• Current: Reviewed and updated when conditions change
• Signed off: Approved by competent persons and acknowledged by workers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many RAMS documents fail because they:

• Use generic templates without site-specific details
• List hazards without adequate control measures
• Are too long and complex for workers to read
• Aren't communicated to the workforce
• Aren't reviewed when conditions change
• Don't reflect actual working practices

How AI is Transforming RAMS Creation

Traditionally, creating RAMS documents was time-consuming and often resulted in generic, copy-paste documents. Modern AI-powered tools like DocGen are changing this by:

• Analysing site walkthrough videos to identify actual hazards present
• Generating site-specific content based on what's actually observed
• Ensuring comprehensive coverage of hazards and controls
• Reducing the time from hours to minutes
• Maintaining consistency while being specific to each site

Conclusion

RAMS documents are essential for construction safety, legal compliance, and effective communication. While they require effort to produce properly, modern tools are making it easier than ever to create comprehensive, site-specific documentation that genuinely protects workers.

Whether you're a sole trader or a large contractor, investing time in quality RAMS documents is investing in the safety of everyone on your site.