What are RAMs in Construction?

Health and safety are vitally important in the construction industry due to the inherent hazards involved in the sector. From complex tasks to handling hazardous materials, there are a whole host of risks to manage, and the use of RAM is one of the most effective ways to deal with these risks.

Short for risk assessments and method statements, RAMs are a fundamental part of health and safety on construction sites across the UK. At Contractwise, we protect contractors and subcontractors with a wide range of CIS compliance services. We understand that RAMs are about much more than just safety, but they also assist with compliance and protecting everyone involved in a project.

In this article, we’ll explain what RAMs are, their benefits and how they fit into wider compliance concerns, such as CIS.  

Read on for more information…

What are RAMs in construction?

RAMs are an acronym that stands for risk assessments and method statements. Together, these important documents explain how work should be carried out safely, identify potential hazards and outline all the measures that can be taken to reduce risks. RAMs are usually prepared before work begins and should be distributed among workers, site managers and clients.

Risk assessment

A risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards that could cause harm during construction work. This includes considering who might be affected, how serious the harm could be and what measures are required to control or eliminate the risk. Hazards can include many things, including working at a height, manual handling, exposure to hazardous substances or interaction with heavy machinery. The aim of risk assessments is to reduce risk to a level that is as low as possible.  

Method statement

A method statement is a document that explains how work should be carried out. It will set out the sequence of tasks, what equipment should be used and the different control measures that have been identified in a risk assessment. Method statements also define responsibilities, emergency procedures and site-specific rules. When combined with a risk assessment, they provide a clear guide that workers on a site can follow.  

Why are RAMs important?

RAMs play a vital role in maintaining safety and professionalism on construction projects. With this in mind, they are considered essential for a variety of reasons:

• Identify risks early: RAMs allow hazards to be identified and addressed before work begins, reducing the likelihood of accidents and delays.
• Clear health and safety guidelines: They provide workers with clear instructions on safe working practices, ensuring consistency across teams and subcontractors.   
• Regulatory compliance: Properly prepared RAMs demonstrate compliance with UK health and safety regulations and guidance.  
• References during investigations: In the event of an accident or a near miss on a construction site, RAMs act as evidence that planned safety measures and procedures were in place.  

Benefits of RAMs

Beyond basic compliance, RAMs offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Improves on-site health and safety
• Reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries
• Provides clear step-by-step guidance for workers
• Ensures consistency in working practices
• Demonstrates health and safety guidance
• Creates a documented safety record that can be used for audits
• Supports insurance and liability protection
• Enhances professionalism and credibility on a construction site
• Complements CIS compliance and payroll audits

Are RAMs a legal requirement?

In the UK, RAMs are not a strict legal requirement in themselves. However, they are heavily recommended as a health and safety best practice. However, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, risk assessments are mandatory by law. Employers must assess the risk to workers and others who might be impacted by their activities.

The method statement aspect of RAMs is not a legal requirement. However, it is usually expected on construction sites, especially for higher-risk work like working at a height, demolition or operating heavy machinery. Many clients will require a method statement as a contractual condition before agreeing to start work.

In practice, RAMs are widely used across the construction industry as they help organisations meet their legal duties and client expectations.

How often should you review your RAMs?

RAMs should always be reviewed regularly, at least once a year, to ensure they remain relevant and effective. They should also be reviewed whenever significant changes have occurred. This can include new equipment, altered work methods or different site conditions. If an incident has occurred on site, this is another time when RAMs should be reviewed.

Regular reviews also demonstrate an ongoing commitment to health and safety and compliance. A proactive approach is the best way to ensure your business is always as safe as possible.

Overall, RAMs are a cornerstone of safe and effective construction site management. By combining risk assessments with method statements, they provide a clear framework for identifying hazards, controlling risks and communicating safe working practices. While not a strict legal requirement, RAMs are strongly recommended and almost always expected in the UK construction industry.

When reviewed regularly and integrated with other compliance processes, like CIS, RAMs offer a range of benefits that extend beyond safety alone. They also support professionalism, protect workers and complement CIS and other regulations.

Here at Contractwise, we understand the importance of RAMs and other construction site working practices. We offer a wide range of services to keep contractors and subcontractors safe, including eliminating the risk of HMRC reclassification, which can do serious damage to a business. For more information on how we can help you remain CIS-compliant, contact our team today.