RAMS Template — Free Risk Assessment Method Statement for UK Construction

TL;DR

A RAMS template gives you the structure needed to produce a compliant Risk Assessment Method Statement for any construction activity. This template covers all required sections — or use Workforce Guardian's AI to generate a complete, site-specific RAMS from photos in under 60 seconds.

What sections should a RAMS template include?

A complete, CDM 2015-compliant RAMS template must include:

Document Header

• Project name and reference
• Task/activity description
• Site address
• Date of issue and review date
• Document version number
• Prepared by (name, company, qualification)
• Approved by (name, signature)

Risk Assessment Section

• Hazard identification (what could go wrong)
• Who might be harmed (workers, public, others)
• Existing controls in place
• Additional controls required
• Risk rating before and after controls (Likelihood × Severity)
• Person responsible for each control measure

Method Statement Section

• Equipment and materials required
• PPE requirements (specific to each task stage)
• Step-by-step task instructions
• Emergency procedure and emergency contact
• First aid arrangements and first aider details

Sign-Off Section

• Worker name and signature
• Date of sign-off
• Confirmation of understanding

Who it's for

• Subcontractors who need a RAMS structure to complete before every job
• Principal Contractors who need to collect RAMS from subcontractors and verify their completeness
• H&S Managers creating standard templates for their organisation's trades
• Sole traders who need a simple, compliant starting point

UK compliance notes

Under CDM 2015 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, risk assessments must be:

• Suitable and sufficient
• Site and task specific (not generic)
• Carried out by a competent person
• Recorded in writing (for employers with 5+ employees; strongly recommended for all)
• Reviewed when conditions change

A method statement is not legally required by name, but CDM 2015 requires that the Principal Contractor ensures high-risk activities are carried out to a documented safe method. Combining both into a RAMS document satisfies both requirements efficiently.

How to complete this RAMS template

Step 1: Task and site identification

Name the specific activity (e.g. "Installation of roof tiles — pitched roof, main dwelling") and the site address. Vague descriptions like "roofing works" are not sufficient for a compliant RAMS.

Step 2: Hazard identification

Walk the site or review photos before completing this section. List every hazard relevant to this specific task at this specific site. Do not copy generic lists without checking them against the actual conditions.

Step 3: Control measures

For each hazard, document existing controls and additional controls needed. Apply the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrative, PPE.

Step 4: Method statement

Write the method statement in the sequence the work will actually be done. Include specific details — not just "use PPE" but "wear Class 3 hi-vis vest, safety boots to EN ISO 20345:2011, and hard hat to EN 397."

Step 5: Emergency procedure

Document the emergency procedure specific to this site — the muster point, the first aider's name and location, the emergency contact number, and the nearest hospital with A&E.

Step 6: Brief and sign off

Brief all workers on the RAMS content before work begins. Every operative must sign to confirm they have read and understood the document. Workforce Guardian captures this digitally.

How Workforce Guardian helps

Workforce Guardian replaces the manual RAMS template process with AI-assisted generation:

• Upload site photos and describe the task
• AI drafts the complete RAMS in under 60 seconds
• Review and edit the output
• Publish for digital sign-off via the worker app
• Evidence is stored automatically

FAQs

Can I use one RAMS for multiple similar jobs?

No — a RAMS must be site-specific. The same template can be used as a starting point, but the hazard identification and controls must be reviewed and updated for each specific site and task. Generic RAMS are routinely rejected by principal contractors and will not satisfy an HSE inspection.

Who is qualified to write a RAMS?

There is no specific legal qualification required to write a RAMS, but the person must be "competent" — meaning they have sufficient training, knowledge, and experience to identify the hazards and specify appropriate controls. For most construction activities, a CSCS-qualified worker with relevant trade experience is considered competent. For complex or high-hazard activities, a qualified H&S advisor may be required.

Does a RAMS need to be reviewed regularly?

Yes. RAMS should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change to scope, personnel, site conditions, or when an incident or near miss occurs. For longer projects, a periodic review (typically every 3–6 months) is good practice even without specific triggers.

How long should we keep RAMS records?

HSE guidance recommends retaining H&S records for at least 3 years. For projects involving personal injury, records may need to be kept for longer (up to 6 years for civil claims). Digital storage in Workforce Guardian keeps all RAMS records accessible indefinitely.