2.3 Developing, Reviewing, and Implementing Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)

Developing, Reviewing, and Implementing RAMS

In UK construction management, RAMS stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements. While a risk assessment identifies site hazards and evaluates control measures, a Method Statement provides a detailed, step-by-step written instruction on how to execute a specific task safely.

Together, RAMS form the core operational sub-system of the project's Construction Phase Plan (CPP) mandated by Regulation 12 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015). For site managers and supervisors, ensuring RAMS are robust, site-specific, properly vetted, and strictly followed at the workface is a primary duty.

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Structure and Essential Components of a Method Statement

A comprehensive Method Statement must clearly outline the safe system of work so that site supervisors and operatives can follow it without ambiguity. Key sections include:

1. Document Header & Scope of Works: Title, document revision number, date, project location, contractor details, and exact task boundaries.
2. Management Structure & Supervision: Named site managers, supervisors, appointed competent persons (e.g., Crane Appointed Person, Scaffolding Inspector), emergency contacts, and qualified first aiders.
3. Detailed Step-by-Step Task Sequence: The logical operational sequence of the work from initial site setup to demobilization.
4. Site Access, Egress, & Logistics: Material delivery routes, crane setup zones, ground bearing capacities, loading limits, and traffic management rules.
5. Resource Requirements:
   • Plant, machinery, tools, and access equipment (e.g., MEWPs, towers).
   • Hazardous substances (COSHH assessments, Safety Data Sheets).
   • Lifting tackle, slings, and LOLER certification requirements.
6. Environmental & Public Protection Controls: Noise and vibration limits, dust suppression measures, waste management, and public boundary exclusion zones.
7. Specific Risk Controls & Permits: References to key risk assessments, mandatory Permits to Work (e.g., Hot Work, Confined Space, Excavation), and PPE requirements.
8. Emergency & Rescue Plans: Task-specific rescue procedures (e.g., MEWP emergency lowering, work-at-height harness recovery plan, confined space extraction).

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The Dangers of Generic RAMS

One of the most widespread compliance failures in construction management is the reliance on generic, "cut-and-paste" RAMS.

• Why Generic RAMS Fail: Off-the-shelf templates fail to account for unique site constraints such as adjacent live services, unstable ground, restricted overhead clearances, live public traffic, or simultaneous operations by other trade contractors.
• Legal & Operational Risk: In an HSE prosecution or incident investigation, submitting unedited generic RAMS is viewed as evidence of management negligence. Site managers must reject generic submissions from subcontractors immediately.

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Site Manager Responsibilities: Vetting Subcontractor RAMS

Before any subcontractor or specialist trade is permitted to begin work on site, the Principal Contractor's site manager must formally vet and approve their RAMS.

Subcontractor Drafts RAMS
  └── Site Manager Vets RAMS (Technical & Site-Specific Check)
        ├── REJECTED: Return for revision (unclear sequence / generic / missing controls)
        └── APPROVED: Authorize Pre-Start Briefing
              └── Operatives Briefed & Sign Register --> Work Commences

RAMS Vetting Checklist for Site Managers

• Is it site-specific? Does it mention exact site locations, gridlines, drawings, and local hazards?
• Is the sequence complete? Does it cover delivery, unloading, assembly, main works, and dismantling?
• Are competency checks verified? Are operative qualifications attached (e.g., CSCS, CPCS, IPAF, PASMA, GAS SAFE)?
• Are equipment certificates current? Are valid LOLER, PUWER, and calibration certificates provided?
• Are emergency plans credible? Does the rescue plan rely on the emergency services (unacceptable) or provide internal site recovery equipment?

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Operational Implementation and Worker Briefings

Creating a compliant RAMS document is worthless if it remains locked in the site office. Effective implementation requires:

1. Pre-Work RAMS Briefing: Before task commencement, the site supervisor must brief all operatives involved in the task directly at the workface or in the site briefing room.
2. Language & Accessibility: Briefings must be delivered in plain language. Where operatives have English as a second language, pictorial guides or translated summaries must be utilized.
3. Signed Acknowledgement Register: Every operative must sign a formal RAMS attendance register confirming they have understood the sequence and controls.
4. Workface Supervision: Supervisors must actively monitor work to verify that operatives adhere strictly to the agreed method statement.

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Management of Change (MOC) Protocols

Site conditions on construction projects are dynamic. Unforeseen circumstances often arise mid-task—such as discovering unmapped underground utilities, experiencing sudden adverse weather, or encountering unpredicted structural timber rot.

The 4-Step MOC Procedure

When site conditions deviate significantly from the approved RAMS:

1. STOP WORK: Instruct operatives to pause the activity and secure the area safely.
2. RE-ASSESS: The site manager and trade supervisor must re-evaluate the new hazard at the workface.
3. REVISE RAMS: Amend the written risk assessment and method statement to incorporate revised controls (e.g., switching from machine excavation to hand digging).
4. RE-BRIEF: Re-brief all operatives on the revised RAMS, update the signed register, and only then authorize work to resume.