Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS): A Practical Guide to Safer Work
Every job has risks. However, teams can control many of those risks when they plan the work before they start. A Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) brings two important safety tools together. First, the risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates the risks. Then, the method statement explains how the team will complete the work safely. Together, they give workers a clear plan.
Moreover, RAMS can improve communication between project managers, supervisors, contractors, and workers. They can also help teams check that planned controls remain in place while work continues.
eAuditor Audits & Inspections helps teams digitize this process. Its construction resources support risk assessments, method statements, site checks, evidence capture, corrective actions, and reporting. For example, eAuditor's Construction Site Risk Assessment Checklist checks whether the risk assessment is site-specific, whether it covers hazards, and whether controls are in place and effective.
What Is a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)?
A Risk Assessment and Method Statement, or RAMS, is a set of documents used to plan work, identify hazards, define controls, and explain how workers should complete a task safely.
The two parts have different jobs.
A risk assessment asks:
- What can cause harm?
- Who could get hurt?
- How serious could the harm be?
- How likely is it to happen?
- What controls can reduce the risk?
- What level of risk remains?
A method statement then explains:
- What work will take place?
- Who will do the work?
- What equipment will they use?
- What steps will they follow?
- What controls must they use?
- What should they do if conditions change?
- What should they do during an emergency?
Therefore, RAMS connects risk planning with practical work instructions.
Why RAMS Matters
Good planning can prevent many avoidable problems.
For example, a construction team may plan to lift a heavy component. The risk assessment can identify crushing, falling-object, lifting, and vehicle hazards. Then, the method statement can explain the lifting sequence, equipment, exclusion zone, competent personnel, communication method, and emergency steps.
As a result, workers know what the job involves before they start.
A strong RAMS process can help organizations:
- Identify hazards early.
- Control workplace risks.
- Improve worker awareness.
- Standardize work methods.
- Clarify responsibilities.
- Improve contractor coordination.
- Support site inspections.
- Reduce avoidable incidents.
- Strengthen safety records.
- Improve project planning.
Furthermore, eAuditor's construction method statement guidance identifies risk controls, responsibilities, work sequences, emergency procedures, inspections, and monitoring as key parts of a method statement.
Risk Assessment and Method Statement: Key Difference
The two documents work together, but they are not the same.
Risk Assessment
The risk assessment focuses on risk.
It identifies hazards, evaluates risk, and defines controls.
For example:
Hazard: Working at height.
Risk: A worker could fall.
Control: Use suitable edge protection and approved access equipment.
Method Statement
The method statement focuses on how the work will happen.
For example:
- Inspect the work area.
- Set up approved access equipment.
- Install required edge protection.
- Check equipment before use.
- Complete the task.
- Remove equipment safely.
- Inspect the area after completion.
Therefore, the risk assessment answers "What can go wrong?", while the method statement answers "How will we do the work safely?"
What Should a RAMS Document Include?
A RAMS document should match the work. However, most useful RAMS documents contain several common sections.
Project Information
Start with basic project details.
Include:
- Project name
- Site location
- Client
- Contractor
- Subcontractor
- Task name
- RAMS reference number
- Revision number
- Date
- Prepared by
- Reviewed by
- Approved by
This information helps workers identify the correct document.
Scope of Work
Next, explain what the RAMS covers.
Describe:
- Work activity
- Work area
- Start point
- End point
- Work boundaries
- Main deliverables
- Activities included
- Activities excluded
Keep the scope clear.
If the scope changes, review the RAMS before the team continues.
Roles and Responsibilities
Every RAMS should make responsibilities clear.
Identify:
- Project manager
- Site manager
- Supervisor
- Safety professional
- Competent workers
- Equipment operators
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- First aider
- Emergency coordinator
Therefore, people know who manages each part of the work.
Risk Assessment Section
The risk assessment forms the safety foundation of RAMS.
Hazard Identification
First, identify the hazards linked to the task.
Common hazards include:
- Falls from height
- Moving vehicles
- Moving machinery
- Falling objects
- Electrical energy
- Fire
- Hot work
- Chemicals
- Dust
- Noise
- Vibration
- Manual handling
- Confined spaces
- Excavation
- Slips and trips
- Poor weather
- Environmental conditions
However, do not copy a generic hazard list and stop there.
Walk through the actual task.
Ask what could happen at each stage.
Who Could Be Harmed?
Next, identify people who may face the risk.
They may include:
- Employees
- Contractors
- Visitors
- Members of the public
- Drivers
- Equipment operators
- Maintenance workers
- Emergency responders
Also consider people who may need additional support.
Risk Evaluation
Then, assess each risk using your organization's approved scoring method.
A common approach considers:
Likelihood × Severity = Risk Rating
However, organizations should use their approved risk matrix rather than applying a generic score without context.
eAuditor's risk management guidance describes configuring likelihood and severity parameters and using structured risk scoring to support consistent assessments.
Control Measures
Next, define controls.
Use the strongest practical controls first.
Examples include:
- Remove the hazard.
- Change the work method.
- Use physical safeguards.
- Isolate energy sources.
- Use barriers.
- Improve ventilation.
- Use safe access systems.
- Provide training.
- Use suitable PPE.
The goal is to reduce risk at the source whenever possible.
Method Statement Section
Once the risks and controls are clear, explain how the work will happen.
Work Sequence
Break the job into simple steps.
For example:
- Prepare the work area.
- Inspect equipment.
- Confirm permits and controls.
- Establish exclusion zones.
- Complete the work.
- Monitor conditions.
- Remove equipment.
- Inspect the area.
- Close the task.
This format helps workers follow the planned method.
eAuditor's Construction Method Statement Template describes the work sequence as a core part of the method statement and includes site preparation, equipment setup, work sequence, inspection points, and completion activities.
Equipment and Materials
List the equipment needed.
This may include:
- Tools
- Plant
- Machinery
- Vehicles
- Lifting equipment
- Access equipment
- Materials
- Barriers
- Safety equipment
- PPE
Also, identify any inspection or certification requirements that apply.
Personal Protective Equipment
List PPE based on the assessed risks.
Depending on the task, this may include:
- Safety helmet
- Safety footwear
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Respiratory protection
- High-visibility clothing
- Fall protection equipment
However, PPE should support stronger controls. It should not replace effective risk reduction where other controls are reasonably practicable.
Permits and Supporting Documents
Some work requires additional documents.
Depending on the task, RAMS may link to:
- Permit to work
- Hot work permit
- Confined space permit
- Isolation procedure
- Lifting plan
- Traffic management plan
- Emergency plan
- COSHH information
- Inspection certificates
- Equipment records
- Competency records
eAuditor's Point of Work Risk Assessment template checks whether workers have the right documentation, including risk assessments, permits, and method statements. (eAuditor)
Emergency Procedures
Every RAMS should explain what happens when something goes wrong.
Include suitable arrangements for:
- Fire
- Injury
- Equipment failure
- Spill
- Evacuation
- Severe weather
- Utility strike
- Structural failure
- Loss of control
- Other foreseeable emergencies
Also, identify emergency contacts, first aid arrangements, evacuation routes, and assembly points where relevant.
eAuditor's Construction Method Statement Template includes emergency contacts, first aid, evacuation procedures, fire response, and incident reporting within the method statement structure. (eAuditor)
Worker Consultation and Briefing
RAMS should not sit in an office.
Workers need to understand the document before they start.
Therefore:
- Explain the task.
- Review the hazards.
- Explain the controls.
- Discuss the work sequence.
- Confirm required PPE.
- Explain emergency arrangements.
- Allow workers to ask questions.
- Record attendance or acknowledgment where required.
Moreover, workers often know practical risks that may not appear in a generic assessment. Therefore, their input can improve the RAMS.
RAMS Approval
Before work starts, the right people should review and approve the RAMS.
The review should confirm:
- The scope is correct.
- Hazards are identified.
- Controls are suitable.
- The work method is clear.
- Required equipment is available.
- Competent workers are assigned.
- Emergency arrangements are suitable.
- Supporting documents are available.
eAuditor's method statement guidance describes a review and approval process involving document preparation, safety review, client review, supervisor approval, and workforce communication. (eAuditor)
RAMS Review and Revision
RAMS should change when the work changes.
Review the document when:
- The work method changes.
- Site conditions change.
- New hazards appear.
- Equipment changes.
- Personnel change.
- An incident occurs.
- A near miss occurs.
- The control measures prove ineffective.
- The project enters a new phase.
For example, a method that works during early construction may not work once other contractors, vehicles, or services enter the same area.
Therefore, treat RAMS as a live safety document.
RAMS Site Inspection
A RAMS document is useful only when workers follow it.
Supervisors should check the work against the approved RAMS.
Inspect:
- Work method
- PPE
- Access
- Equipment
- Exclusion zones
- Control measures
- Permit conditions
- Site conditions
- Worker understanding
eAuditor's Construction Site Risk Assessment Checklist asks whether nominated controls are in place and whether those controls remain effective. (eAuditor)
RAMS Non-Conformance and Corrective Actions
Site inspections may reveal gaps.
For example:
Finding: Workers are not using the required exclusion zone.
Risk: People could enter the lifting area.
Action: Stop the activity, establish the zone, brief the team, and verify compliance.
A digital workflow can connect the finding to an assigned corrective action.
Therefore, teams can track:
- Finding
- Responsible person
- Due date
- Action
- Evidence
- Completion
- Verification
How eAuditor Audits & Inspections Handles RAMS
eAuditor Audits & Inspections helps organizations move RAMS from static paperwork to a digital safety workflow.
Its construction method statement resources describe standardized templates, mobile access, collaboration, evidence capture, automated reporting, corrective action tracking, and centralized document management. (eAuditor)
Digital RAMS Templates
Teams can create structured templates for different tasks.
For example, they can build separate RAMS workflows for:
- Excavation
- Roofing
- Demolition
- Electrical work
- Lifting
- Scaffolding
- Hot work
- Concrete work
- Maintenance
- Work at height
As a result, teams can standardize the information required for each activity.
Mobile Access
Site teams can access digital safety information on mobile devices.
Therefore, supervisors and workers can review the current information where the work takes place.
eAuditor's construction method statement guidance highlights mobile access, instant site access, reduced paperwork, and improved document control. (eAuditor)
Risk Assessment Checks
eAuditor can support structured risk assessments that cover hazards, risk ratings, and controls.
Its risk management guidance recommends configuring risk scoring and mandatory evidence fields, then recording hazards, locations, observations, and photographic evidence during assessments. (eAuditor)
Method Statement Management
Teams can document:
- Scope
- Work sequence
- Equipment
- Responsibilities
- Controls
- PPE
- Emergency procedures
- Environmental controls
- Inspection points
Therefore, workers receive a clearer picture of how the job should run.
Evidence Capture
Sometimes, a written note is not enough.
Teams can capture:
- Site photos
- Hazard photos
- Inspection evidence
- Comments
- Supporting documents
- Corrective action evidence
This creates a stronger record of what happened on site.
Corrective Action Tracking
When an inspection finds a problem, eAuditor can support corrective action management.
Teams can assign actions, set deadlines, monitor progress, and verify completion. eAuditor's method statement guidance specifically describes assigning corrective actions, setting deadlines, monitoring status, and verifying corrective measures. (eAuditor)
Reporting and Document Control
Digital records can make reporting easier.
eAuditor's construction method statement resources describe automated reports containing method statement details, inspection findings, corrective actions, and compliance records. They also describe centralized cloud storage and version control. (eAuditor)
As a result, managers can find the right record faster.
Linking RAMS With Site Inspections
RAMS should not operate alone.
Teams can connect the planned controls with actual site checks.
For example:
RAMS: Workers must use suitable fall protection.
Site inspection: Is fall protection in place and used correctly?
Finding: Control missing.
Corrective action: Stop the task and restore the control.
Verification: Supervisor confirms compliance.
This creates a useful link between planning and execution.
Common RAMS Mistakes
Even good teams can make simple mistakes.
Using Generic RAMS
A generic RAMS may miss site-specific hazards.
Instead, assess the actual task and conditions.
Writing Too Much
Long documents can become difficult to use.
Keep the language clear. Break complex work into simple steps.
Missing Control Measures
Listing a hazard without explaining the control does not give workers enough direction.
Therefore, connect each significant hazard to practical controls.
Ignoring Workers
Workers perform the task every day.
Their experience can reveal hazards that managers may miss.
Failing to Update RAMS
A RAMS document can become outdated quickly.
Review it when the task, environment, equipment, or controls change.
Treating Approval as the End
Approval only confirms that the document is suitable at that point.
Supervisors must still check that workers follow it.
RAMS Quick Checklist
Use this list as a starting point. Adapt it to the work and your organization's requirements.
Project and Document Control
Project details are correct.
Site location is recorded.
Scope is clear.
Document reference is recorded.
Revision number is current.
Review date is recorded.
Required approvals are complete.
Risk Assessment
Hazards are identified.
People at risk are identified.
Existing controls are recorded.
Risk ratings follow the approved method.
Additional controls are defined.
Residual risk is acceptable.
Site-specific conditions are included.
Method Statement
Work steps are clear.
Responsibilities are defined.
Equipment is listed.
Materials are listed.
PPE is identified.
Permits are identified.
Emergency arrangements are included.
Environmental controls are included.
Worker Briefing
Workers received the RAMS briefing.
Workers understood the controls.
Questions were addressed.
Required competency was confirmed.
Attendance or acknowledgment was recorded where required.
Site Verification
RAMS is available on site.
Workers follow the approved method.
Controls are in place.
Controls remain effective.
Equipment remains suitable.
Site conditions remain consistent with the RAMS.
Review
Changes are recorded.
Findings are documented.
Corrective actions are assigned.
Actions are closed.
RAMS is reviewed after significant changes.
RAMS Benefits for Different Teams
RAMS can help different people in different ways.
For Project Managers
RAMS provides a structured way to plan work, assign responsibilities, and monitor safety requirements.
For Site Supervisors
It gives supervisors a clear reference for checking work methods and controls.
For Workers
It explains what they need to do and which controls they need to follow.
For Contractors
It helps align contractor activities with site requirements.
For Safety Teams
It provides a basis for risk review, inspection, monitoring, and corrective action.
For Clients
It provides evidence that the project team planned the work and established safety controls.
Related Verified eAuditor Resources
The following resources come from eAuditor's own website or template library. They relate directly to RAMS, risk assessment, method statements, and construction safety.
eAuditor Template Library
Construction Site Risk Assessment Checklist — includes daily risk assessment and Safe Work Method Statement checks, including site-specific hazards, controls, training, plant, and environmental considerations.
Construction Site Risk Assessment Checklist — SWMS Version — checks whether the SWMS is available, site-specific, covers tasks and hazards, identifies supporting documents, and has workforce sign-off.
Point of Work Risk Assessment Guide and Checklist — checks risk assessments, permits, method statements, PPE, access, tools, work at height, chemicals, and other task hazards.
Safety File Audit Checklist — includes checks for method statements, site-specific risk assessments, safe work procedures, monitoring plans, emergency plans, and related safety documentation.
Axis Site Inspection Checklist — includes checks for method statements, risk assessments, worker competency, PPE, work at height, tools, hot work, and site activities.
Verified eAuditor Blog Articles
Construction Method Statement Template — covers project information, scope, responsibilities, equipment, work sequence, risk controls, emergency procedures, approvals, and digital method statement management.
Construction Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) — explains digital SWMS templates, mobile access, real-time compliance checks, evidence capture, and corrective action tracking. https://eauditor.app/2026/08/20/risk-assessment-and-method-statement-rams/
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