What are RAMS? (Health and Safety Documents)
In the construction industry, the term “RAMS” was developed many years ago, and the term is now used extensively. For the uninitiated, it might conjure up images of woolly animals, but RAMS actually stands for Risk Assessment (and) Method Statement—an important set of documents for managing safety on construction sites and in other high-risk industries. Despite its importance, there’s often confusion about what RAMS really involves and why it’s crucial to workplace safety.
Let’s clear things up: despite the acronym, RAMS is not one document but two distinct documents that work together to ensure that jobs are carried out safely. Understanding this distinction is essential, particularly in industries like construction, where lives depend on robust Health and Safety measures.
What Exactly Are RAMS?
Although RAMS is often referred to as a single entity, it actually consists of two separate documents: the Risk Assessment and the Method Statement. These two documents serve different purposes but are equally important for ensuring safety.
- Risk Assessment: This is a thorough examination of potential hazards in the workplace. It identifies risks that could cause harm and assesses the likelihood and severity of these risks. The aim is to determine what needs to be done to mitigate or eliminate those risks. In short, it answers the question, “What could go wrong?”, and “What measures are in place to prevent it”
- Method Statement: After the risks have been assessed, the Method Statement comes into play. It provides a Safe System of Work (SSOW), outlining the steps, processes, and controls required to carry out the work safely. This document answers the question, “What is the method for doing it safely?” and translates the findings from the Risk Assessment into actionable safety procedures.
By understanding that RAMS is a combination of these two documents, contractors and clients alike can better appreciate the importance of each one in safeguarding workers and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Why RAMS Is Critical in the Construction Industry
In construction, RAMS are often required as part of the due diligence process when assessing contractors. Clients need to ensure that any contractor working on their site has a clear plan for managing safety risks. This is especially crucial in high-risk industries like construction, where accidents can have severe consequences, including injury, death, or costly legal and financial ramifications.
A properly prepared set of RAMS documents demonstrates that:
- The risks associated with the work have been identified and assessed.
- There is a safe plan in place for executing the work, reducing or eliminating those risks.
Before any work begins, contractors are often asked to provide RAMS to prove they’ve done their due diligence in assessing hazards and implementing safety controls. For clients, this not only ensures worker safety but also protects their business from potential legal issues.
The Distinction Between Risk Assessment and Method Statement
Earlier, we described how RAMS is actually composed of two separate documents.
It’s essential to understand that these documents, the Risk Assessment and Method Statement, are not interchangeable. They have distinct purposes.
- Risk Assessment: Focuses on identifying hazards, assessing the risks, and determining the control measures needed to minimise those risks.
- Method Statement: Details the Safe System of Work. It explains how the tasks will be performed safely, considering the risks identified in the Risk Assessment.
The Method Statement cannot exist without the Risk Assessment because it relies on the risk analysis to inform the safe practices outlined. But they are not the same document. One identifies the risks and controls, and the other provides the work methodology for conducting the tasks safely.
Why Are RAMS Important?
RAMS documents are often seen as just another piece of paperwork, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. RAMS plays a critical role in preventing accidents, injuries, and fatalities on-site. They serve as a plan that ensures the work is not only compliant with health and safety regulations but also carried out with the least possible risk to workers.
For construction companies and contractors, failing to submit comprehensive RAMS can result in delays, rejection from projects, or worse—legal action if accidents occur. It’s more than just a formality; it’s a life-saving practice.
Why You Should Take RAMS Seriously
Misunderstanding RAMS or treating it as a mere formality has the potential to lead to disastrous outcomes. In the construction industry, where risks are high and accidents can have serious consequences, both clients and contractors must be diligent in their preparation and review of RAMS.
Failure to conduct a thorough Risk Assessment or to follow an adequate Method Statement can expose both parties to:
- Accidents and injuries that could have been prevented.
- Legal consequences, including fines or even prosecution.
- Reputational damage that could harm future business opportunities.
By taking the time to fully understand and implement both the Risk Assessment and Method Statement, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re protecting lives, ensuring legal compliance, and safeguarding your business from unnecessary risks.
Conclusion
So, the next time you hear the term RAMS, don’t think of woolly animals!
Think of essential safety systems that help protect workers, prevent accidents, and keep your business on the right side of the law.
Remember:
- RAMS consists of two documents: the Risk Assessment and the Method Statement.
- Risk Assessment identifies hazards and determines control measures.
- Method Statement details how the work will be done safely, following the findings of the Risk Assessment.
These documents are not just paperwork—they’re lifesavers. By preparing and reviewing RAMS thoroughly, you can ensure that everyone on-site goes home safe and that your project is fully compliant with health and safety regulations.
If your business is in need of help in the development of these documents, you may want to explore our consultancy packages.