A construction RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) combines a risk assessment with a detailed method statement explaining how a specific construction task will be carried out safely. Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), contractors must produce RAMS documents before starting high-risk activities on site. This page provides real-world construction RAMS examples that meet UK legal requirements and can be adapted for your own projects.
What is a construction RAMS document?
A construction RAMS is a two-part safety document required for construction activities in the UK. The risk assessment section identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and specifies control measures under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The method statement section describes step-by-step how the work will be done, who is responsible, what equipment will be used, and what emergency procedures are in place.
RAMS documents are typically required by principal contractors under CDM 2015 Regulation 13 before any contractor begins work on site. They form part of the construction phase plan and are reviewed during site inductions. RAMS are living documents — they must be updated when site conditions change, new hazards emerge, or work methods are modified.
Legal requirements for construction RAMS
CDM 2015 obligations
Under CDM 2015 Regulation 8, contractors must plan, manage and monitor construction work to ensure it is carried out without risks to health and safety. Regulation 13 requires contractors to provide information about risks created by their work to the principal contractor, who coordinates all contractors on site. The RAMS document fulfils this requirement by formally communicating how each contractor will manage risk.
Principal contractors must ensure that construction work is carried out in accordance with the construction phase plan (CDM 2015 Regulation 12). A properly written RAMS demonstrates compliance with that plan and provides documentary evidence that the contractor has thought through the risks before starting work.
Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996
RAMS documents must address specific hazards regulated under the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, including safe places of work (Regulation 5), falls from height (Regulations 6–7), falling objects (Regulation 8), fragile materials (Regulation 9), and stability of structures during construction (Regulation 10). Each regulation imposes an absolute duty — not "so far as is reasonably practicable" — meaning the controls specified in the RAMS must fully comply.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Any construction activity involving work above two metres must comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The RAMS must demonstrate that the hierarchy for work at height has been applied: avoid work at height where possible (Regulation 6(2)), prevent falls using guardrails or working platforms (Regulation 6(3)), and only use personal fall protection as a last resort. Scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), and ladder use must all be assessed and justified in the method statement.
Construction RAMS example 1: Excavation and groundworks
Activity description
Excavation of a trench 1.5 metres deep and 20 metres long for drainage pipework installation at a residential development site. Work involves a 360° excavator, hand tools, and manual pipe laying. The site has no confirmed underground services survey but is in an urban area with known utilities present.
Key hazards identified
- Striking underground electricity cables, gas mains, water pipes, or telecoms — risk of electrocution, explosion, or flooding
- Trench collapse or sides caving in — risk of burial or crush injuries
- Falls into excavation by workers or members of the public — risk of fractures or head injuries
- Excavator striking workers, pedestrians, or adjacent structures
- Contaminated ground or hazardous materials encountered during digging
Control measures (hierarchy applied)
Before work starts: CAT (cable avoidance tool) and Genny scan carried out by competent person. Service location drawings obtained from utility companies. Trial holes hand-dug at five-metre intervals to confirm service locations. Safe digging zone marked in yellow spray paint. Site induction for all operatives covering underground services emergency procedures.
During excavation: Excavator operator holds CPCS card (A59 category). Banksman in high-vis jacket controls all excavator movements. Hand digging only within 0.5 metres of confirmed or suspected services. Trench support system (hydraulic shoring or trench boxes) installed before any person enters excavation deeper than 1.2 metres, as required by HSG185 (Health and Safety in Excavations). Edge protection (barriers and warning signs) erected on all open sides of excavation. Ladder access provided every 25 metres for emergency egress.
PPE: Hard hats, high-vis vests, steel toe-cap boots, gloves. Hearing protection for operatives working within two metres of running excavator.
Emergency arrangements: First aider on site at all times. Spade and rope available for trench rescue. Emergency contact numbers (electricity network operator, gas emergency, site manager) displayed in site cabin. All operatives briefed on emergency assembly point.
Legislation referenced
Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 Regulation 12 (excavations), CDM 2015 Regulation 13 (providing information to principal contractor), HSE guidance HSG185, Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002.
Construction RAMS example 2: Scaffolding erection
Activity description
Erection of an independent tied scaffold to a height of 8 metres on the gable end of a two-storey residential property for external rendering works. Scaffold will remain in place for four weeks.
Key hazards identified
- Falls from height during erection and dismantling — risk of fatal or life-changing injuries
- Materials falling onto workers below or members of the public
- Scaffold collapse due to inadequate ties, overloading, or adverse weather
- Manual handling injuries from lifting scaffold tubes and boards
- Striking overhead power lines when moving scaffold tubes
Control measures (hierarchy applied)
Before work starts: Scaffold design produced by a competent person (Advanced Scaffolder or Scaffold Design Service) including loading calculations, tie pattern, and foundation requirements. Site survey confirms ground is level and load-bearing. Overhead power line identified and minimum clearance of three metres maintained at all times. Exclusion zone established using barriers and warning signs.
During erection: Only CISRS-carded scaffolders carry out erection work. Scaffold built in accordance with TG20:13 (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation technical guidance). Base plates and sole boards used on all standards. First lift constructed with guardrails, mid-rails and toe boards before any work above two metres. Scaffold tied to building structure every 4 metres horizontally and 3.5 metres vertically using through-ties or anchor bolts. Scaffolders use harnesses and lanyards anchored to completed scaffold structure during top lift erection.
After erection: Scaffold inspected by competent person and tagged with green pass tag before handover. Weekly inspections recorded under Work at Height Regulations 2005 Schedule 7. Scaffold inspected after adverse weather (winds over 40mph or heavy snow). No users permitted to modify scaffold structure — any alterations requested through principal contractor.
PPE: Hard hats, safety harnesses (during erection of top lifts), high-vis clothing, safety footwear, gloves.
Legislation referenced
Work at Height Regulations 2005 Regulations 6–7 and Schedule 7, CDM 2015 Regulation 13, BS EN 12811 (Temporary Works Equipment — Scaffolds), TG20:13 (NASC technical guidance).
Construction RAMS example 3: Hot works (welding and cutting)
Activity description
Oxy-acetylene cutting and MIG welding of structural steelwork inside a partially demolished commercial building. Work required for installation of new steel frame to support mezzanine floor. Duration: three days.
Key hazards identified
- Fire or explosion caused by sparks igniting combustible materials, gas leaks, or oxygen enrichment
- Burns from hot metal, molten slag, or UV radiation from welding arc
- Inhalation of welding fumes (hexavalent chromium, manganese, iron oxide)
- Eye damage from arc flash or sparks
- Gas cylinder explosion due to damage, overheating, or incorrect storage
- Electric shock from faulty welding equipment
Control measures (hierarchy applied)
Before work starts: Hot work permit issued by principal contractor. Site inspection confirms all combustible materials within 10 metres removed or covered with fire-resistant blankets. Two 9kg CO₂ fire extinguishers positioned within five metres of work area. Gas cylinders stored upright in external compound with segregation between oxygen and acetylene. Cylinders secured with chains. Flashback arrestors fitted to regulators.
During hot works: Only coded welders (to BS EN ISO 9606) carry out welding. Oxy-acetylene equipment checked daily for leaks using soapy water test. Welding screens erected to protect others from arc flash. Local exhaust ventilation (mobile fume extractor) used where welding produces significant fume. Operatives take regular breaks in fresh air. Fire watch maintained throughout work and for 60 minutes after completion.
PPE: Welding helmet with auto-darkening lens (minimum shade 10 for MIG), flame-resistant gauntlets, leather apron, safety boots, welding jacket. Respiratory protection (FFP3 disposable or powered air-purifying respirator) where LEV is insufficient.
Emergency arrangements: Fire alarm tested. Evacuation routes confirmed clear. First aider briefed on location of hot works. Emergency services access maintained.
Legislation referenced
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Article 8 (fire precautions), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (welding fume exposure), Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (gas cylinders), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Regulation 11 (dangerous parts of machinery).
Construction RAMS example 4: Working in confined spaces
Activity description
Entry into underground inspection chamber (3 metres deep, 2 metres diameter) to repair damaged brickwork on a Victorian sewer system. Chamber accessed via steel ladder. Work duration: four hours.
Key hazards identified
- Oxygen deficiency or toxic gas accumulation (hydrogen sulphide, methane, carbon monoxide) — risk of unconsciousness or death
- Drowning due to sudden inflow of water or sewage
- Falls from ladder during entry or exit
- Collapse of chamber walls or roof
- Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) from contact with contaminated water
- Difficulty in rescue if worker becomes incapacitated
Control measures (hierarchy applied)
Before entry: Confined space entry permit issued under Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Regulation 4. Atmosphere tested using calibrated four-gas monitor (oxygen 19.5–23%, LEL below 10%, hydrogen sulphide below 5ppm, carbon monoxide below 35ppm). Chamber ventilated for 15 minutes using portable blower before entry. Upstream flow isolated and locked off where practicable. Structural survey confirms chamber walls stable.
During work: Continuous gas monitoring with alarm set. Trained standby person remains at chamber entrance at all times with rescue equipment (tripod, winch, harness). Two-way radio communication maintained between entrant and standby. Entrant wears full-body harness connected to rescue winch. Maximum work period of 30 minutes before rotation and fresh air break. Lighting provided by 110V site transformer or battery-powered LED (no mains voltage equipment in confined space).
PPE: Disposable coveralls, nitrile gloves, wellington boots, face shield, hard hat. Supplied-air breathing apparatus available for emergency rescue (self-rescuer not suitable as standby cannot enter without BA).
Emergency arrangements: Emergency rescue plan tested by dry run before entry. Emergency services pre-notified of confined space work. Rescue team contactable within 10 minutes.
Legislation referenced
Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 Regulations 3–5, CDM 2015 Regulation 13, HSE guidance Confined Spaces: A Brief Guide to Working Safely (INDG258).
Construction RAMS example 5: Demolition works
Activity description
Controlled demolition of a single-storey brick outbuilding (6m × 4m footprint) using a 13-tonne excavator with breaker attachment. Site located in suburban area with residential properties within 10 metres.
Key hazards identified
- Uncontrolled structural collapse causing injury to demolition workers or neighbours
- Airborne dust containing silica, asbestos, or other hazardous materials
- Noise and vibration affecting neighbouring properties
- Flying debris from mechanical breaking
- Buried services (electricity, gas, water) within building footprint
- Manual handling during waste sorting and loading
Control measures (hierarchy applied)
Before demolition: Pre-demolition asbestos survey (Type 3 refurbishment/demolition survey to HSG264) completed and clearance certificate issued. Structural engineer confirms sequence of demolition (roof first, then walls from top down). Services isolated and disconnected — electricity certificate of isolation obtained, gas capped and purged by Gas Safe engineer, water isolated at stopcock. Neighbouring properties notified in writing 14 days before works commence. Section 80 notice served on local authority under Building Act 1984.
During demolition: Exclusion zone of 10 metres established using solid hoarding (minimum 2 metres high). Dust suppression by continuous water spray (bowser with pressure washer). Noise monitoring carried out at site boundary — work restricted to 08:00–18:00 Monday to Friday. Excavator operator holds CPCS demolition endorsement (A60). Spotter guides all machine movements. Regular visual inspections for signs of unexpected structural weakness. Waste segregated into skips (inert, wood, metal, mixed) for licensed disposal.
PPE: Hard hats, FFP3 dust masks, hearing protection (Class 5 ear defenders or custom-moulded plugs), high-vis clothing, safety boots, gloves.
Emergency arrangements: Emergency stop procedure briefed to all operatives. Structural engineer contactable during works. Ambulance access route kept clear.
Legislation referenced
CDM 2015 Regulation 13, BS 6187:2011 (Code of Practice for Full and Partial Demolition), Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Building Act 1984 Section 80.
Key components every construction RAMS must include
Regardless of the activity, every construction RAMS document submitted to a principal contractor must include the following sections to comply with CDM 2015 and demonstrate competence:
- Company details and qualifications — contractor name, CSCS/CPCS card numbers for operatives, relevant accreditations (CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor)
- Activity description — what work is being done, where, when, and for how long
- Hazards identified — bullet-point list of significant hazards specific to the activity
- Risk evaluation — likelihood and severity ratings before and after controls (optional but good practice)
- Control measures — step-by-step explanation applying the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE)
- Legislation and standards — relevant regulations and HSE guidance documents referenced by number
- Emergency procedures — what to do if something goes wrong, emergency contact numbers, first aid arrangements
- PPE requirements — minimum PPE for all workers on the activity
- Competence and training — confirmation that all workers hold the necessary qualifications, licences, or cards
- Sign-off — name and signature of person responsible, date of issue, review date
A RAMS that omits any of these sections is unlikely to be accepted by a principal contractor and will not satisfy CDM 2015 Regulation 13.
Common mistakes in construction RAMS
Generic templates not adapted to the site — using a RAMS from a previous job without updating it for site-specific hazards. Principal contractors and HSE inspectors reject these immediately. Every RAMS must name the actual site address, describe the site layout, and reference the construction phase plan.
Failing to reference the correct legislation — simply writing "relevant health and safety legislation" without naming the specific regulations. CDM-compliant RAMS must cite regulations by name and number (e.g. Work at Height Regulations 2005 Regulation 6).
Listing PPE as the primary control — many construction RAMS list hard hats, gloves, and boots as the main control measure without demonstrating that higher-order controls (elimination, engineering) are not practicable. This fails the hierarchy of control test under MHSWR 1999 Schedule 1.
No emergency procedures — a RAMS that does not explain what to do in an emergency (injury, fire, structural collapse, gas leak) is inadequate under CDM 2015 Regulation 8. Emergency arrangements must be specific to the activity, not generic ("call 999").
Not reviewing after changes — ground conditions change, equipment breaks down, weather deteriorates, or client requirements shift. A RAMS that is not updated when circumstances change is no longer valid.
How to write a construction RAMS quickly and correctly
Writing a compliant construction RAMS from scratch typically takes 2–4 hours per activity — longer if you're unfamiliar with the specific regulations or have not worked on that type of task before. The process involves researching the hazards, reviewing HSE guidance, applying the hierarchy of controls, and formatting everything in a professional document that principal contractors will accept.
AI-powered tools like Anyrisks can generate a complete, regulation-referenced construction RAMS in under two minutes. You describe the construction activity, location, equipment, and any known hazards, and the system produces a fully written document including all required sections, specific legislation references, and control measures ranked by the hierarchy. The output is delivered as both PDF and editable Word document, allowing you to customise site-specific details before submission.
The key advantage is that AI-generated RAMS are written in the professional format expected by principal contractors and cite the correct regulations by name. For contractors working on multiple sites or tendering for several jobs at once, the time saving is substantial — and the quality is consistently higher than copying and pasting from old templates.