What Are RAMS Documents and Why Do They Matter for Health and Safety?

You might come across RAMS documents when reviewing workplace health and safety or completing a risk assessment. These documents are essential for managing risk effectively, especially in high-risk industries like construction and engineering.

At Work Wallet, based in Derby, we support businesses across the UK with tools that simplify health and safety processes. One such tool is helping you quickly and confidently create and manage Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS).

Explore how our Risk Assessment tools can help your team

What Does RAMS Stand For?

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment Method Statement. These documents bring together two vital components of health and safety:

• A risk assessment identifies hazards, assesses the severity and likelihood of risks, and outlines control measures.
• Based on the risk assessment findings, a method statement details how to safely carry out a specific task.

While a risk assessment considers the workplace as a whole, a method statement focuses on a specific activity. It breaks down the task into steps, explains the associated hazards at each stage, and describes what control measures should be used. This clear, structured guidance allows workers to confidently follow safe working practices.

Who Should Use RAMS Documents?

RAMS documents are used across various industries but are especially common in construction, engineering, logistics and manufacturing, where tasks often involve higher levels of risk.

They are also valuable tools for demonstrating safe working practices when tendering for projects or working with external contractors. When contractors submit their RAMS, your organisation can review them to ensure they align with your safety standards.

This helps create a more unified approach to risk management across your supply chain.

The Key Benefits of RAMS

Using RAMS documents offers multiple benefits, from improving safety to streamlining operations and avoiding legal issues.

1. Make Safer Decisions Faster

When workers face an unfamiliar task or unexpected challenge, they can refer to the method statement for safe, practical guidance. This reduces delays and helps ensure decisions are made with safety in mind.

2. Avoid Misunderstandings

Miscommunication can have serious consequences in high-risk environments. RAMS documents provide clear, step-by-step instructions, removing ambiguity and ensuring everyone can complete tasks safely.

3. Improve Productivity

With clear instructions in place, there is no need for guesswork. Any trained and competent worker can complete a task efficiently, helping to maintain project momentum.

4. Reduce Sickness and Absence

RAMS documents help prevent workplace injuries and health issues by identifying and managing risks early. This leads to fewer absences, reduced sick pay costs and less disruption for your business.

5. Stay Legally Compliant

RAMS supports compliance with health and safety legislation by showing that you have taken reasonable steps to assess and control risks. This can help protect your business from fines, legal penalties, or enforcement action.

6. Protect Your Reputation

A strong safety culture shows staff, clients, and the wider industry that your business is responsible, reliable, and serious about protecting people. RAMS plays a key part in upholding that reputation.

Simplify RAMS Management with Work Wallet

Creating and managing RAMS documents does not need to be a burden on paperwork. With Work Wallet, you can complete risk assessments, generate method statements, and share them instantly with your team or contractors via our all-in-one, secure digital platform.

Discover how our RAMS and risk assessment features can support your health and safety goals

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