🛡️
RAMS Template
A free RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) template for construction. Combines hazard identification, risk scoring, and safe working procedures in one document.
What is a RAMS Template?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a combined document that brings together both the risk assessment (identifying hazards and evaluating risks) and the method statement (describing the safe system of work) into a single, comprehensive document.
In UK construction, RAMS are the most commonly requested health and safety documents. Most principal contractors require RAMS from subcontractors before they are allowed to start work on site. Under CDM 2015, the principal contractor must ensure that suitable RAMS are in place for all significant work activities.
RAMS are sometimes referred to as SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) in Australia, or JSA (Job Safety Analysis) in the US. In the UK, "RAMS" is the standard terminology used across the construction industry.
Key Sections to Include
A complete RAMS document should include:
1. Document Control - Reference number, revision, date, author, and approval signatures.
2. Project and Task Description - What project, what location, and what specific activity this RAMS covers.
3. Hazard Identification - Systematic identification of all hazards associated with the activity. Common construction hazards include: working at height, manual handling, moving plant, electricity, hazardous substances, noise, dust, falling objects, and ground conditions.
4. Risk Assessment Matrix - For each hazard: likelihood rating (1-5), severity rating (1-5), risk score (L x S), and resulting risk level (low/medium/high/very high).
5. Control Measures - For each identified risk: the hierarchy of controls applied (eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE).
6. Residual Risk Rating - The risk score AFTER control measures are applied. This should demonstrate that risks have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
7. Method Statement - The step-by-step safe system of work (see Method Statement Template for detailed guidance on this section).
8. Emergency Procedures - What to do if something goes wrong. Specific to the hazards identified.
9. Training and Competency Requirements - What qualifications, training, or experience operatives must have.
10. Monitoring and Review - How compliance will be monitored and when the RAMS will be reviewed.
Free Template
RISK ASSESSMENT AND METHOD STATEMENT (RAMS) Document Ref: [RAMS-XXX-001] Revision: [A] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] PROJECT: [Project Name] LOCATION: [Site Address] ACTIVITY: [Description of Work Activity] CONTRACTOR: [Company Name] PART A: RISK ASSESSMENT HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK SCORING | # | Hazard | Who at Risk | Existing Controls | L | S | Risk | Additional Controls | L | S | Residual Risk | |---|--------|-------------|-------------------|---|---|------|--------------------:|---|---|---------------| | 1 | [Hazard] | [Persons] | [Controls] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [L x S] | [Additional] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [L x S] | | 2 | [Hazard] | [Persons] | [Controls] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [L x S] | [Additional] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [L x S] | | 3 | [Hazard] | [Persons] | [Controls] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [L x S] | [Additional] | [1-5] | [1-5] | [L x S] | RISK MATRIX KEY: Likelihood: 1=Very Unlikely, 2=Unlikely, 3=Possible, 4=Likely, 5=Very Likely Severity: 1=Insignificant, 2=Minor, 3=Moderate, 4=Major, 5=Fatal/Catastrophic Risk Level: 1-4=Low (Green), 5-9=Medium (Amber), 10-15=High (Orange), 16-25=Very High (Red) PART B: METHOD STATEMENT 1. PERSONNEL Supervisor: [Name, CSCS No.] Operatives: [Names, CSCS Nos.] 2. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [List all plant, tools, and equipment] 3. SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS Step 1: [Activity description and safety controls] Step 2: [Activity description and safety controls] Step 3: [Activity description and safety controls] 4. PPE REQUIREMENTS [List all required PPE with standards] 5. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Emergency Contact: [Number] First Aider: [Name] Assembly Point: [Location] Spill Kit Location: [Location] 6. TRAINING AND COMPETENCY [List required qualifications and training] SIGN-OFF Prepared by: _________________ Date: _________ Reviewed by: _________________ Date: _________ Approved by: _________________ Date: _________ OPERATIVE BRIEFING RECORD | Name | Company | Signature | Date | |------|---------|-----------|------| | | | | | | | | | |
When Do You Need This?
RAMS are required:
- Before any construction work activity begins on site
- When a principal contractor requests them as a condition of starting work
- For all activities identified as having significant risk in the construction phase plan
- When working as a subcontractor on any construction project
- Before carrying out any high-risk activity (working at height, excavation, hot works, confined space entry, lifting operations, demolition)
- When site conditions change and existing RAMS no longer cover the actual working methods
- Following an incident, near-miss, or safety observation that reveals inadequate controls
RAMS should be activity-specific, not generic. A single project may require dozens of RAMS covering different work packages.
Who Uses This Template?
RAMS are used and required by:
- Subcontractors - Must prepare RAMS for every work package before mobilising to site
- Principal Contractors - Review and approve all subcontractor RAMS before work starts
- Site Managers - Enforce RAMS compliance on site and conduct RAMS briefings
- Health and Safety Managers - Audit RAMS quality and ensure they meet legal requirements
- Project Managers - Ensure RAMS are in place as part of work package management
- CDM Coordinators / Principal Designers - Review RAMS as part of pre-construction information
Generate This with AI
AI can generate a comprehensive first draft of your RAMS in about 15 minutes:
1. Provide the AI with: the specific activity, location, height of work, access arrangements, plant being used, and any site-specific hazards
2. Ask it to generate both the risk assessment (with likelihood and severity scoring) and the method statement
3. Request that it follows the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, engineer, admin, PPE)
4. Always verify the hazard identification is complete for YOUR specific site conditions
5. Check that risk scores are realistic and that residual risks after controls are genuinely reduced
The AI output is a starting point. A competent person must always review and approve the final RAMS before it is used on site.
Template Details
- Cost
- Free
- Format
- Copy-paste ready
- Industry
- Construction
Related AI Workflows
Want to generate this document automatically with AI? Check our AI workflows for step-by-step prompts.
Try our software
Want these prompts pre-built?
AI Construction Copilot has all these workflows ready to run — no copy-pasting needed. Built specifically for construction professionals.
Try Free