What is a construction RAMS document?
A construction RAMS is a combined Risk Assessment and Method Statement specific to construction work. It identifies the hazards on a construction site or project, assesses the risks those hazards pose to workers and the public, and sets out the step-by-step method for completing the work safely. RAMS documents are required by principal contractors under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) before any contractor or subcontractor is permitted to start work on site. Without an approved RAMS, you will not be allowed through the gate.
The acronym RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement — two legally distinct documents that are routinely combined in construction. The risk assessment component fulfils the employer's duty under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The method statement sets out the safe system of work and is required under Regulation 13 of CDM 2015 for all construction work. Together, they form the primary safety planning document for any construction activity.
Legal requirements for construction RAMS
CDM 2015 Regulation 13: Duty to prepare a construction phase plan
Under CDM 2015 Regulation 13, the principal contractor must draw up a construction phase plan before the construction phase begins. The plan must set out the health and safety arrangements and site rules, and must include or refer to suitable site-specific risk assessments and method statements. Individual contractors and subcontractors must submit RAMS for their specific scope of work, and the principal contractor must review and approve them before work commences.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Every employer — including construction contractors — must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment under MHSWR 1999 Regulation 3(1). If five or more people are employed, the significant findings must be recorded in writing. A construction RAMS satisfies this legal requirement when it is specific to the actual work being undertaken and identifies the measures necessary to comply with relevant health and safety law.
Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996
Specific activities on construction sites — such as excavations (Regulation 12), work at height (Regulation 6), scaffolding (Schedule 6), and demolition (Regulation 29) — have their own detailed legal requirements. A compliant construction RAMS must reference these regulations where relevant and demonstrate that the method of work complies with them.
What must a construction RAMS include?
A construction RAMS is only suitable and sufficient if it covers the following elements in a way that is specific to the actual project and task:
- Project details — site name and address, principal contractor name, client name, project start and end dates, specific location within the site where the work will take place.
- Scope of work — a clear description of the task being undertaken (e.g. excavation for drainage runs, erection of scaffold to gable end, installation of modular welfare units). Generic descriptions like "general building work" are not acceptable.
- Hazard identification — specific hazards arising from the work, not copied from a template. For example: excavation near live services, manual handling of kerb stones weighing 35kg, work adjacent to public footpath with pedestrian traffic.
- People at risk — identify who is at risk and how: site operatives, other trades working nearby, delivery drivers, site visitors, members of the public. Include vulnerable groups where relevant (young workers, those with limited English, lone workers).
- Risk rating — before and after control measures are applied. Most principal contractors use a 5×5 matrix (likelihood × severity = risk score).
- Control measures — the hierarchy of controls applied: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. These must be specific and implemented before work starts.
- Method statement — the step-by-step sequence of how the work will be carried out safely. This must include: plant and equipment to be used, the competence and training required, the PPE required, emergency procedures, and the sequence of operations.
- Permits and notifications — any permits to work required (hot work permit, confined space permit, permit to dig), notification to the HSE under CDM (F10 notification for notifiable projects), and any environmental permits or traffic management approvals.
- Competence and supervision — the qualifications, training or certification required for the people carrying out the work (CSCS cards, CPCS plant tickets, PASMA scaffolding tickets, asbestos awareness training). State who will supervise the work.
- Relevant legislation and standards — cite the specific regulations that apply to the task. For example, BS 5975 for temporary works design, BS 8004 for foundations, HSG151 for work with asbestos.
Construction RAMS examples by activity
Excavation and groundworks RAMS example
Activity: Excavation of foundation trenches to 1.8m depth using a 13-tonne 360° excavator, installation of foundation concrete and drainage runs.
Key hazards: Collapse of trench sides, contact with underground services (electric, gas, water, telecoms), plant overturning on soft ground, manual handling of shutter boards, workers or public falling into excavation.
Control measures (hierarchy applied): (3) Engineering — CAT and Genny scan before excavation, services drawings obtained from utility companies, excavation battered back to 45° where practicable or trench boxes installed where vertical sides required, barriers and edge protection to all open excavations, stop blocks for plant positioned 2m from edge; (4) Administrative — permit-to-dig system in place, emergency services contact details displayed, excavation inspected daily by appointed person under Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 Regulation 12(3), safe access and egress provided via ladders at maximum 6m intervals; (5) PPE — high-vis, hard hat, safety boots with steel toe cap and mid-sole, gloves for manual handling.
Method statement sequence: (1) Set out excavation using Dumpy level and spray paint; (2) Scan for services using CAT and Genny; (3) Dig trial hole by hand to 1m depth to confirm service locations; (4) Excavate to formation level using 13T excavator under direction of trained banksman; (5) Install trench boxes or batter sides to safe angle; (6) Inspect excavation and complete F91 Part A register entry; (7) Install shutter boards, pour concrete, allow to cure; (8) Lay drainage pipes to invert levels and test; (9) Backfill and compact in layers.
Competence: Plant operator holds CPCS Blue Card (A59 category). Appointed person for excavation inspection holds relevant competence (SSSTS or SMSTS plus excavation safety training). Groundworkers hold CSCS labourers cards minimum.
Scaffolding erection RAMS example
Activity: Erection of independent scaffold to two-storey domestic property, working height 6.5m, tied to structure at maximum 4m horizontal and vertical intervals.
Key hazards: Falls from height during erection, scaffold materials falling onto public footpath, manual handling of scaffold tubes (up to 25kg), collapse of scaffold during or after erection, struck by moving vehicles (scaffold encroaches onto highway).
Control measures: (3) Engineering — advance guardrails used during erection to provide edge protection before platforms are boarded, debris netting and sheeting installed to prevent materials falling, scaffold designed by temporary works coordinator to TG20:13 compliance, base plates on timber sole plates to spread load; (4) Administrative — scaffold inspected every 7 days and after any event likely to affect stability under Work at Height Regulations 2005 Regulation 12, handover certificate (TG20 format) provided to principal contractor before use, Section 8 highway licence obtained from local authority; (5) PPE — harness and lanyard clipped to structure during erection where guardrails not yet in place, hard hat with chin strap, high-vis, safety boots, gloves.
Method statement: (1) Set out base positions and level ground; (2) Erect first lift using advance guardrails; (3) Board out platform; (4) Repeat for subsequent lifts; (5) Install ties at maximum 4m centres (horizontal and vertical); (6) Fit sheeting and debris netting; (7) Inspect and complete handover certificate (TG20:21 format).
Competence: All scaffolders hold CISRS Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder cards. Scaffold inspections carried out by CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor or equivalent. Scaffold design checked by temporary works coordinator (TWC) where loading exceeds standard duty (1.5 kN/m²).
Asbestos removal RAMS example
Activity: Removal of asbestos insulating board (AIB) ceiling tiles from office area (total 18m²), licensed work under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Key hazards: Inhalation of asbestos fibres causing mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer; cross-contamination of adjacent areas; environmental release of fibres.
Control measures: (1) Elimination — all non-asbestos materials removed from work area before enclosure built; (3) Engineering — fully sealed enclosure with 3-stage decontamination unit, negative pressure unit (NPU) maintaining −20 Pa minimum, H-class vacuum extraction, controlled wetting using airless sprayer; (4) Administrative — 14-day notification to HSE under Regulation 9, licensed contractor with current HSE licence, medical surveillance under Regulation 22, air monitoring by UKAS-accredited analyst, 4-stage clearance (visual inspection, initial air test, reassurance air test, final handover certificate); (5) PPE — full-face powered respirator (RPE) with TH2P filters, Type 5 disposable coveralls, gloves, boots.
Method statement: (1) Build polythene enclosure with airlocks; (2) Set up NPU and confirm −20 Pa; (3) Wet AIB panels using fine mist sprayer; (4) Remove panels carefully and double-bag in asbestos waste bags; (5) Wet-wipe all surfaces inside enclosure; (6) H-vacuum all surfaces; (7) Visual inspection; (8) Air test; (9) Strip polythene and decontaminate; (10) Clearance certificate issued by analyst.
Competence: All operatives hold IATP/EUSR asbestos removal (licensed work) certificates. Supervisor holds S301 supervisory certificate. Analyst accredited to ISO 17025 (UKAS). Contractor holds current HSE asbestos licence (number stated on RAMS).
What principal contractors look for in a RAMS
Principal contractors reject RAMS submissions every day for being too generic, incomplete, or obviously copied from templates without editing. A RAMS that passes first-time review typically demonstrates:
- Site-specific detail — the site name, location within the site, and project reference number are correct and match the contract.
- Activity-specific hazards — not a list of 40 potential hazards copied from a template, but the 6–10 significant hazards actually present for this specific task in this specific location.
- Competence clearly stated — the RAMS names the actual cards, tickets or qualifications required (CSCS, CPCS, CISRS, NVQ, first aid at work) rather than vague statements like "trained operatives".
- Correct regulation references — cites the specific regulations that apply (CDM 2015, COSHH, Work at Height Regulations 2005) rather than generic "H&S law".
- Method statement in logical sequence — numbered steps that could actually be followed by someone unfamiliar with the task.
- Emergency procedures — what to do in the event of an incident, who to contact, where the first aid kit and accident book are located.
- Permits identified — if a hot work permit, confined space entry permit, or permit-to-dig is required, the RAMS states this and confirms the permit will be obtained before work starts.
Common construction RAMS mistakes
Using a generic template without editing
The most common rejection reason. A RAMS that lists "slips, trips and falls" as a hazard without stating what surfaces are present, or "manual handling" without stating what is being lifted and what the weight is, will be sent back immediately. Principal contractors see hundreds of RAMS — they know a copied template when they see one.
Wrong site name or outdated project details
Submitting a RAMS with a different site name, a project reference from a previous job, or the wrong principal contractor name suggests the document has not been reviewed. This raises immediate questions about whether the content is relevant.
No method statement, only a risk assessment
A risk assessment alone does not satisfy the RAMS requirement. The method statement is the part that explains how the work will be done step-by-step. Without it, the principal contractor cannot assess whether the proposed method is safe or conflicts with other trades working nearby.
Missing competence or certification details
Stating "all operatives are trained" without specifying what training, what cards they hold, or what the expiry dates are. Principal contractors need to verify competence before allowing access to site — if the RAMS does not provide this information, it will be rejected.
No mention of permits to work
If the task requires a hot work permit (welding, cutting, grinding near combustibles), a confined space permit (entering a chamber, tank or trench deeper than 1.2m), or a permit-to-dig (excavation near services), the RAMS must state this. Failure to mention permits is a red flag that the contractor has not understood the site rules.
Do I need separate RAMS for every task?
Yes. Each distinct construction activity requires its own RAMS. You cannot submit a single generic RAMS covering "all groundworks" or "all carpentry" — the hazards, controls and method differ significantly between tasks. For example, excavating a foundation trench has different hazards to installing drainage or pouring concrete. Each requires a separate RAMS.
However, if you are repeating the same task in multiple locations on the same site (e.g. installing the same type of scaffold to 15 identical houses), you can submit one RAMS and reference it for all locations, provided the conditions are genuinely identical. If site conditions differ (e.g. one scaffold is adjacent to a public footpath, another is not), separate RAMS are required.
How long does it take to write a construction RAMS?
Writing a compliant construction RAMS from scratch typically takes 2–4 hours for an experienced site manager or contracts manager. The time is spent identifying the site-specific hazards, researching the correct regulations, writing the method statement in logical sequence, and ensuring all competence and permit requirements are stated. For contractors working on multiple sites simultaneously, this becomes a significant administrative burden.
AI-powered tools like Anyrisks reduce this to under 2 minutes. The contractor describes the activity (e.g. "excavation for drainage using a 13-tonne excavator, trench depth 1.8m, services present"), the site details, and the people involved. The system generates a complete RAMS with hazard identification, control measures applied in the correct hierarchy, a step-by-step method statement, and citations to the relevant regulations. The contractor reviews it, edits any site-specific details, and submits it to the principal contractor. The legal duty to ensure the RAMS is suitable and sufficient remains with the contractor — but the time required to produce a professional, compliant document is dramatically reduced.
RAMS vs risk assessment vs method statement
These terms are often used interchangeably in construction, but they have distinct legal meanings:
- Risk assessment — the systematic identification of hazards, evaluation of the risk they pose, and specification of the control measures required. Required by law under MHSWR 1999 Regulation 3. Focuses on what could cause harm and how to prevent it.
- Method statement — the step-by-step description of how a task will be carried out safely. Required under CDM 2015 Regulation 13 as part of the construction phase plan. Focuses on the sequence of work and safe system of work.
- RAMS — the combination of both documents into a single submission. This is the standard format expected by principal contractors on UK construction sites. It satisfies both the legal duty to assess risk and the contractual requirement to describe the method of work.
Some principal contractors request them as separate documents; most prefer the combined RAMS format because it is easier to review and approve in a single process.
Who signs off a construction RAMS?
The contractor or subcontractor preparing the RAMS must have it signed by a competent person within their organisation — typically a contracts manager, site manager, or health and safety advisor. The signature confirms that the RAMS has been reviewed, is suitable and sufficient for the work described, and that the control measures will be implemented.
The principal contractor then reviews and approves (or rejects) the RAMS before work is permitted to start. Approval is usually given by the principal contractor's site manager or health and safety manager. On larger projects, RAMS approval may be delegated to the principal designer or a CDM advisor. The approved RAMS is filed in the construction phase plan and made available to HSE inspectors on request.
How AI is changing construction RAMS
AI-powered RAMS generation tools are becoming widely used across the UK construction industry. Rather than starting from a blank template or copying an old RAMS from a different project, contractors describe the specific task and receive a fully written RAMS in under 2 minutes. The key advantage is specificity — the AI identifies hazards relevant to the actual task (not a generic list of 40 hazards), applies the hierarchy of controls correctly, and writes a method statement in logical sequence.
The best systems reference the correct UK regulations, use the terminology that principal contractors expect (CSCS, CPCS, TG20, etc.), and format the document to match industry standards. The contractor still reviews and edits the RAMS to confirm it reflects the actual site conditions — the legal duty cannot be outsourced — but the time required to produce a professional, compliant RAMS is reduced from hours to minutes. For contractors submitting multiple RAMS per week, this is a material competitive advantage.
Generate a compliant construction RAMS in under 2 minutes
If you need a construction RAMS today — for excavation, scaffolding, demolition, refurbishment, or any other construction activity — you can generate a complete, UK-compliant document in under 2 minutes using Anyrisks. Describe your activity, site and team. Receive a professional RAMS with hazard identification, control measures, method statement, and regulation references. Delivered as PDF and editable Word document for £29. If it does not meet your principal contractor's requirements, we refund you within 24 hours.