RAMS in Project Management: Why Risk Assessments and Method Statements Matter

Every project carries risks that can affect safety, quality, cost, and delivery. Managing these risks effectively is essential if projects are to be completed on time, within budget, and without harm to the people involved.

One of the most important tools for managing project risk is RAMS, which stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements. RAMS are commonly used in construction, engineering, facilities management, maintenance, and contractor-led work to identify hazards and explain how tasks will be carried out safely.

For businesses in Telford, Shropshire, the Midlands and across the UK, RAMS are a practical way to demonstrate that work has been properly planned, risks have been considered, and suitable control measures are in place.

At A2B Smart Safety Ltd, we regularly support businesses with practical, site specific RAMS that help improve safety, support compliance, and keep projects moving. This guide explains what RAMS are, why they matter, and how they can be used effectively in project management.

Detailed safety plans and equipment at a construction site

What Are RAMS?

RAMS combine two key documents used in project management and construction:

• Risk Assessments identify potential hazards that could cause harm during a project or task. They consider who may be affected, how serious the harm could be, and what control measures are needed to reduce the risk.

  
  

• Method Statements explain how the work will be carried out safely and efficiently. They provide a step by step safe system of work so that workers, supervisors and contractors understand exactly what needs to happen.

  
  

Together, RAMS provide a clear framework for managing safety and operational risks before work begins. They help project teams understand what dangers exist, what controls are required, and how the work should be completed safely.

Why RAMS Matter in Project Management

Projects often involve complex activities, multiple teams, and tight deadlines. Without a clear plan to manage risks, projects can face delays, accidents, or cost overruns. RAMS play a crucial role by:

• Protecting people: They ensure workers and stakeholders understand hazards and follow safe procedures.

• Reducing accidents: Identifying risks early prevents injuries and damage to equipment or property.

• Improving communication: RAMS provide a shared reference for everyone involved, from managers to on site workers.

• Supporting compliance: Many industries require documented risk assessments and method statements to meet legal and regulatory standards.

• Enhancing project control: By planning how tasks will be done safely, teams can avoid surprises and keep the project on track.

Who Needs RAMS?

RAMS are commonly used by:

• Construction contractors

• Principal contractors

• Project managers

• Facilities management companies

• Maintenance teams

• Electrical contractors

• Mechanical contractors

• Roofing contractors

• Scaffolding companies

• Cleaning contractors

• Engineering teams

• Site supervisors

• Health and safety managers

  
  

They are particularly important where work involves higher risk activities or where

contractors are working on client sites.

When Are RAMS Required?

RAMS are required before work starts, especially when tasks involve significant risk or when a contractor is carrying out work on another organisation’s site.

Examples of work activities that may require RAMS include:

• Working at height

• Scaffolding installation

• Roof work

• Electrical installation

• Lifting operations

• Excavation work

• Hot works

• Confined space entry

• Plant and machinery operation

• Work involving hazardous substances

• Maintenance work in occupied buildings

• Construction and refurbishment projects

• Contractor works on commercial or industrial sites

  
  

In many cases, RAMS will be reviewed by a client, principal contractor, site manager or facilities manager before permission to work is given.

RAMS and UK Health and Safety Compliance

In the UK, employers and contractors have a legal duty to assess and manage workplace risks. Risk assessments are required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and RAMS are often used to demonstrate how those risks will be controlled in practice.

For construction projects, RAMS also support effective planning and coordination under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015, commonly known as CDM.

Although method statements are not always specifically required by law, they are widely used across construction, maintenance, engineering and contractor work to explain how higher risk activities will be carried out safely.

RAMS can help provide evidence that:

• Hazards have been identified

• Suitable control measures have been selected

• Workers have been informed about safe working methods

• Contractors understand their responsibilities

• Emergency arrangements have been considered

• Work has been properly planned before starting

  
  

This is especially important when clients, principal contractors, facilities managers or site managers require RAMS before allowing work to begin.

How to Create Effective RAMS

Creating RAMS requires careful thought and collaboration. Here are key steps to develop useful documents:

1. Identify Hazards

Start by listing all possible hazards related to the project. This includes physical dangers like working at height, chemical exposure, or electrical risks. Consider the environment, equipment, and human factors.

2. Assess Risks

Evaluate how likely each hazard is to cause harm and how severe the consequences could be. This helps prioritize which risks need the most attention.

3. Define Control Measures

Control measures are the actions taken to eliminate or reduce risk. These may include:

• Safe systems of work

• Guardrails or edge protection

• Permit to work systems

• Isolation procedures

• Training and supervision

• Personal protective equipment

• Equipment inspections

• Exclusion zones

• Emergency procedures

  
  

The aim should always be to reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable.

4. Write the Method Statement

Describe the step by step process for completing tasks safely. Include details such as equipment to use, safety checks, and emergency procedures.

5. Review and Update

RAMS should be living documents. Regularly review them to reflect changes in the project or new risks that arise.

Practical Examples of RAMS in Action

RAMS are most useful when they are specific to the task, site conditions and people carrying out the work. Generic documents rarely give enough detail to properly manage the risks involved.

For example, on a construction project involving bricklaying works, the risk assessment may identify hazards such as manual handling, working from hop ups or scaffolding, exposure to cement dust, use of cutting tools, slips and trips, and movement of materials around site. The method statement would then explain how the bricklaying work will be carried out safely, including safe access, good housekeeping, correct lifting techniques, dust control, PPE requirements and supervision arrangements.

Another example is ground preparation work on a construction site. This type of work may involve plant and machinery, uneven ground, underground services, moving vehicles, excavation risks, noise, dust and changing weather conditions. The RAMS would set out how the area will be prepared safely, how plant movements will be controlled, how underground services will be identified, and what exclusion zones or traffic management arrangements are required.

For contractors working on busy construction sites, RAMS help make sure everyone understands the agreed safe system of work before the task begins. They also give clients, site managers and principal contractors confidence that the work has been properly planned and that risks are being managed in a practical way.

Benefits Beyond Safety

Although safety is the main purpose of RAMS, they also support better project performance, legal compliance and business protection.

Clear, task specific RAMS can help reduce confusion, avoid mistakes, prevent delays and improve communication between contractors, supervisors and project managers.

They can also help demonstrate that risks have been considered and suitable control measures have been put in place. This is important for meeting client requirements, supporting UK health and safety compliance, and reducing the risk of accidents, complaints, enforcement action or potential HSE intervention.

For contractors, professional RAMS can also help demonstrate competence, build trust with clients and make it easier to gain approval to work on site.

RAMS are not just paperwork. When prepared properly and followed in practice, they are a useful tool for protecting people, projects and businesses.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Some teams find RAMS paperwork time consuming or overly complex. To avoid this:

• Use templates tailored to your industry.

• Involve workers in creating RAMS to ensure practical relevance.

• Keep language clear and concise.

• Train staff on the importance and use of RAMS.

  
  

Integrating RAMS into Project Workflow

For RAMS to be effective, they must be part of daily project management. This means:

• Sharing RAMS documents before work starts.

• Holding briefings to explain risks and methods.

• Monitoring compliance during tasks.

• Updating RAMS when conditions change.

Frequently Asked Questions About RAMS

What does RAMS stand for?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements. These documents identify hazards and explain how work will be carried out safely.

Are RAMS a legal requirement?

Risk assessments are a legal requirement for employers in the UK. Method statements are not always specifically required by law, but they are widely used to explain how higher risk work will be completed safely.

Who is responsible for preparing RAMS?

RAMS are usually prepared by the contractor or employer carrying out the work. Project managers, site managers, supervisors and health and safety advisors may also be involved in reviewing or approving them.

What should be included in RAMS?

RAMS should include task details, hazards, risk ratings, control measures, PPE, tools and equipment, training requirements, emergency procedures and a clear step by step method of work.

How often should RAMS be reviewed?

RAMS should be reviewed whenever the work changes, site conditions change, an incident occurs, or the existing control measures are no longer suitable.

Why are RAMS important in construction?

RAMS are important in construction because they help manage high risk activities, protect workers, support legal compliance and make sure everyone understands the agreed safe system of work.

Can RAMS help with contractor management?

Yes. RAMS are an important part of contractor management because they help clients and site managers check that contractors have planned their work safely before starting on site.

Need Help Preparing RAMS?

Preparing RAMS that are clear, practical and suitable for the task can be time consuming, especially for busy project teams, contractors and small businesses.

A2B Smart Safety Ltd provides practical health and safety support for businesses across Telford, Shropshire, the Midlands and the wider UK.

We can help with:

• RAMS preparation

• Risk assessments

• Fire Risk Assessments

• Method statements

• Site safety documentation

• Contractor safety reviews

• Construction health and safety support

• Health and safety audits

• ISO 45001 / CHAS / SMAS support

• Accident investigation support

  
  

If you need professional support with RAMS, risk assessments or method statements, A2B Smart Safety Ltd can help you create documents that are clear, practical and suitable for your work activities.