In the construction industry, every day is a risk. From falling debris to hazardous materials, countless hazards can lead to injury or death. Accidents can still happen with the best safety practices in place.
That’s why it’s essential to have risk assessment method statements (RAMS). A RAMS document identifies and assesses the risks associated with a construction project. It also outlines the steps that will be taken to mitigate those risks.
RAMS are personalised documents for individual companies. They are prepared following a risk assessment, although they are not as widely recognised as risk assessments since the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not mandate their completion as a legal requirement.
Nonetheless, conducting RAMS and having these supporting documents can bring significant advantages to your business. This article will explain what RAMS are, how to create a RAMS document and the various benefits your business can reap from having a well-prepared RAMS document.
Contents:
3. Why RAMS Are Important in Construction Industry
6. How to Create a RAMS Document
7. Is It Necessary To Review Your RAMS?
8. How PlanRadar Can Help You Create and Manage RAMS
9. RAMS for Construction’s Risk-Free Future
What Are RAMS?
RAMS (Risk Assessments Method Statements) are essential documents that ensure the safety and efficiency of construction projects. A risk assessment is carried out to identify potential hazards and evaluate the associated risks. Based on this assessment, a Method Statement is then developed, which outlines the specific controls that will be implemented to mitigate these risks.
- Risk Assessments: Risk assessments are used to record hazards identified in the workplace, assess the likelihood and severity of risks, and plan adequate control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks.
- Method Statements: Method statements in construction provide detailed instructions on how to carry out specific tasks safely. Each construction activity, such as excavation, concrete pouring, or demolition, requires a well-defined method statement to ensure proper execution. The statement includes step-by-step procedures, safety precautions, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
RAMS are for everyone involved in a construction project, including employees, contractors, subcontractors, site visitors, and any other personnel working on or around the construction site. The purpose of RAMS is to ensure that all stakeholders understand the potential risks involved in the project and are aware of the specific measures to avoid them.
Related reading: eBook: The cost of rework in global construction
How Are RAMS Used?
RAMS are widely used in the construction industry, and there are good reasons for that. Many companies make it a must-have during the tender process. So, when a company wants to undertake a construction project, it must create RAMS as part of its safety documentation.
At the same time, the people in charge of awarding the project will carefully review the RAMS to check how well the company follows health and safety rules. It’s like a safety plan that helps construction companies show that they are serious about protecting their workers and everyone involved in the project.
Contractors in construction projects use RAMS to show they have safe work practices. By comparing contractors’ health and safety policies with your RAMS, you can ensure safety measures are effective throughout your supply chain.
Why RAMS Are Important in Construction Industry
RAMS are an important tool for managing risks and ensuring safety in the construction industry. RAMS can prevent accidents, injuries, and legal liability by identifying and mitigating risks, providing clear instructions, and improving communication.
- To identify and mitigate risks: Construction is a high-risk industry with much higher injuries and death rates. RAMS can identify and mitigate the risks associated with specific activities or tasks. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries, and it can also help to improve productivity and efficiency.
- To provide clear instructions on how to complete tasks safely: RAMS can provide clear instructions on how to complete tasks safely, which can help to reduce confusion and prevent accidents. This is especially important for tasks that are complex or high-risk.
- To improve communication and coordination between different teams: RAMS can help improve communication and coordination between different teams, which can help ensure everyone is working safely. This is especially important on large or complex projects.
- To comply with health and safety regulations: By creating and following RAMS, businesses can demonstrate that they are taking steps to comply with health and safety regulations. This can help to protect them from legal liability in the event of an accident.
Related reading: eBook: Digitise the golden thread in fire safety
Are RAMS Legally Mandated?
No, RAMS are not legally mandated by the UK government but conducting risk assessments is a legal requirement in all UK businesses. However, they are a good practice for businesses in the construction industry to follow, as they can help to improve workplace health and safety.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not require businesses to create RAMS, but they recommend it as part of their risk management process. The HSE website states, “RAMS can be a valuable tool for managing risks, but it is not a legal requirement.”
While RAMS are not legally mandated, businesses that choose to create them may be able to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to manage risks and comply with health and safety legislation. This could help to protect them from legal liability in the event of an accident.
The Benefits of RAMS
Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are crucial in ensuring workplace safety and have far-reaching benefits for businesses. Beyond merely making the workplace safer, RAMS contributes to improved business operations and protects the company from the detrimental consequences of poor risk management.
Ensuring Informed Decision Making
One of the significant advantages of RAMS is its ability to facilitate smart decision-making, even in high-pressure situations that demand quick responses. Often, workers may encounter unexpected challenges that require on-the-spot decisions to prevent potential hazards or delays.
With method statements provided in RAMS, employees can access clear guidelines and necessary information, supporting them in making informed choices and prioritising safety.
Preventing Misunderstandings and Accidents
Precision and accuracy are of utmost importance in complex work environments like construction sites. RAMS addresses this concern by laying out comprehensive processes in a step-by-step manner.
By leaving no room for confusion, RAMS significantly reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings among workers regarding how tasks should be completed. This clarity translates to a safer work environment and reduced risk of accidents and injuries.
Boosting Productivity and Efficiency
RAMS streamline work processes by eliminating hesitation and the need for trial-and-error approaches. Instead, qualified and trained workers can confidently and efficiently complete tasks, knowing they have clear instructions on how to do so safely.
As a result, productivity levels increase, and operational efficiency improves, ultimately benefiting the business’s overall performance.
Reducing Sick Days and Associated Costs
Incorporating RAMS into daily operations can positively impact employee health and safety. By effectively managing risks and maintaining a safe work environment, RAMS contributes to a decrease in the number of sick days taken by employees.
This reduction in absences due to sickness boosts productivity and helps the company cut back on expenses. You can save on sick pay, temporary cover, and potential compensation for work-related injuries.
Minimising the Risk of Fines and Legal Penalties
Compliance with workplace health and safety regulations is a critical aspect of risk management for any business. RAMS plays a significant role by helping companies improve their health and safety standards.
By adhering to risk management legislation, businesses can substantially reduce the risk of incurring fines and other legal penalties resulting from non-compliance.
Safeguarding the Business’s Reputation
A company’s reputation is vital for its success and growth. RAMS contributes to safeguarding a business’s reputation by prioritising the safety of employees and stakeholders.
When a company demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a secure working environment through the implementation of RAMS, it avoids the negative consequences that poor risk management can bring. These consequences may be accidents, injuries, and damage to the company’s public image.
How to Create a RAMS Document
Creating a Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) document is fundamental to ensuring workplace safety and mitigating potential risks effectively. Incorporating various elements, such as a thorough risk assessment, detailed safety guidelines, and periodic reviews, creating a RAMS document requires careful consideration and meticulous planning.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to create a RAMS document:
| Step | Description |
| Determine the Need for a RAMS Document | Assess whether a RAMS document is required based on the level of risk involved. Avoid unnecessary documentation for tasks where risks can be eliminated through other measures. |
| Conduct a Risk Assessment | Perform a comprehensive risk assessment to identify hazards and assess associated risks. Develop appropriate control measures to mitigate these risks. |
| Organise the Document | Structure the RAMS document with clear headings and subheadings for easy navigation. |
| Provide Supervisor Details and Equipment Info | Include the name and contact information of the responsible supervisor or manager. List all relevant equipment involved in the task, along with corresponding safety guidelines. |
| First Aid Provision | Detail the availability and location of first aid kits, emergency contact numbers, and any trained personnel for providing first aid. |
| Step-by-Step Safety Guide | Prepare a detailed step-by-step guide on completing the task safely. Cover all stages of the process and outline safety procedures and precautions for each step. |
| Distribution to Employees | Ensure all employees involved in the task receive a copy of the RAMS document before commencing work. |
| Periodic Review and Updates | Regularly review and update the RAMS document to reflect changes in work processes, safety measures, or equipment. Maintaining an up-to-date RAMS ensures its continued relevance and usefulness. |
Is It Necessary To Review Your RAMS?
It’s a good idea to review your Risk Assessments and Method Statements regularly. The best practice is to do it at least once a year. But if there are any significant changes in your workplace, you should also update your RAMS. These changes could include new machinery, different tasks, or handling hazardous materials.
Similarly, if there’s an accident or injury at work due to a hazard, make sure to review and update your RAMS to prevent similar incidents in the future. Regularly checking and updating your RAMS keeps your workplace safe and protects everyone from potential risks.
How PlanRadar Can Help You Create and Manage RAMS
PlanRadar, a powerful project management tool, offers comprehensive features that enable your teams to efficiently create and manage Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration between the project site and the office, PlanRadar streamlines the entire RAMS process, ensuring a safe and compliant work environment. Here’s how PlanRadar can help you create and manage RAMS:
Collect, Document, Collaborate, and Report with Ease
PlanRadar simplifies the collection and documentation of crucial RAMS information. Whether on-site or at the office, your team can easily input all relevant data into the platform.
Everything from risk assessments to safety procedures can be recorded and updated in real-time, promoting efficient collaboration among team members. The platform’s accessibility from mobile devices ensures no vital information is missed, and team members can report and share updates effortlessly.
Create a Tamper Proof Audit Trail
Ensuring accountability and accuracy in RAMS is vital. PlanRadar offers a tamper-proof audit trail without room for doubts or disputes. The platform lets you attach photos, videos, and comments directly to the RAMS documentation, providing a clear and visual record of on-site safety measures.
This robust audit trail provides concrete evidence of the steps to address potential risks, protecting your business from liability and legal challenges.
Maintain a Single Source of Truth
With PlanRadar, you can bid farewell to scattered information and data confusion. The platform centralises all your RAMS documentation, ensuring a single source of truth for everyone involved in the project.
Updates made in real time are visible to all relevant stakeholders, eliminating the risk of information loss and ensuring that everyone works with the latest and most accurate RAMS data.
RAMS for Construction’s Risk-Free Future
RAMS are paramount to the construction industry, as they are a systematic approach to identifying and managing risks in construction projects. They ensure that all aspects of a project are considered, from the design phase to the construction phase to the demolition phase.
PlanRadar can help you with your risk assessments and method statements so that you can focus on other areas of your business. Our experts will write your task-specific risk assessments and method statements so your workforce has all the information they need to do their job safely.
We can also make risk assessment amendments when they need updates and a young person’s risk assessment. And if you want to write them in-house, our selection of method statement templates for the construction industry will ensure you have the best examples available.
Contact us today to learn how PlanRadar can help you with your workplace safety regulations.
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