How to Write a RAMS in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Contractors
If you're a UK contractor, you've almost certainly been asked to produce a RAMS before starting work. Whether it's a principal contractor demanding one before you set foot on site, or a domestic client who wants reassurance that the job will be done safely, RAMS are now standard across the industry.
But here's the thing — most contractors weren't trained to write them. You were trained to do the actual work. So let's break down exactly what a RAMS is, what goes in it, and how to write one that doesn't get sent back with red pen all over it.
What is a RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It's a combined document that does two things: identifies the hazards associated with a specific task and explains how the work will be carried out safely.
The risk assessment half covers what could go wrong — working at height, manual handling, electrical hazards, whatever applies to your job. The method statement half sets out the step-by-step process for doing the work, including who's responsible, what PPE is needed, and what sequence the tasks follow.
Technically, "RAMS" isn't a legal term. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require you to assess risks and have safe systems of work — a RAMS is simply the most practical way to satisfy both requirements in one document.
When do you need a RAMS?
In practice, you need one whenever a client or principal contractor asks for one. On commercial sites, this is almost always. On domestic jobs, it depends on the client and the complexity of the work.
Under CDM 2015, if you're the only contractor on a project, you need a construction phase plan — which covers similar ground to a RAMS. If there are multiple contractors, the principal contractor handles the construction phase plan, but you'll still need your own RAMS for your specific tasks.
What goes into a RAMS?
A solid RAMS covers the following sections. You don't need to overcomplicate it — keep it specific to the job at hand.
Project details: Site address, client name, principal contractor (if applicable), start and end dates, your company details.
Scope of works: A brief description of what you're actually doing. "Install first-fix electrical wiring to ground floor extension" is better than "electrical work."
Hazard identification: List every hazard relevant to the task. Think about what could injure someone — falls, electric shock, dust, manual handling, noise, buried services, asbestos exposure. Be specific to the site, not generic.
Risk matrix: For each hazard, rate the likelihood and severity. Most RAMS use a simple 5x5 matrix. A score before control measures (inherent risk) and after (residual risk) shows you've thought about reducing the risk, not just listing it.
Control measures: What are you doing to prevent each hazard from causing harm? This is the most important section. "Wear PPE" on its own isn't enough — specify which PPE, why, and what other controls are in place (isolation, barriers, permits, supervision).
Method statement: Step-by-step sequence of work. Start from arrival on site through to completion and clean-up. Include who does what, what tools and equipment are used, and any hold points (stages where work stops for inspection or sign-off).
Emergency procedures: Nearest A&E, site assembly point, first aider details, what to do if someone gets injured or there's a fire.
PPE requirements: List everything needed — hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, RPE. Specify standards where relevant (e.g., EN 397 for hard hats).
Signatures: The person writing the RAMS signs it. Everyone working under it should read and sign to confirm they understand it. This is your evidence of briefing.
Common mistakes that get your RAMS rejected
The number one reason RAMS get sent back is that they're too generic. If your RAMS could apply to any job on any site, it's not good enough. Principal contractors want to see site-specific detail — the actual address, the actual hazards you'll encounter, the actual sequence of work.
Other common issues: missing signatures, no risk ratings, control measures that just say "be careful," no emergency contact details, and copy-pasting the same RAMS for every job without updating it.
How to write one faster without cutting corners
The smart approach is to start with a professional template that's specific to your trade, then customise it for each job. A good template gives you the structure, the risk matrix, and the standard hazards for your industry — you just need to add the site-specific details.
This is exactly what YourComplianceDocs is built for. We have over 250 trade-specific templates covering construction, electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, roofing, scaffolding, demolition, and more. Pick your template, fill in the project details, and export a branded PDF in minutes — not hours. You can also use our AI assist to help fill in sections like hazard descriptions and control measures, while keeping full control over every word.
No more starting from a blank Word document every Sunday night.
Free RAMS template download
Want to try before you sign up? We offer free downloadable templates — no login required, no trial, no strings attached. It's genuine professional templates you can use right away. Download it here.
And when you're ready to stop spending hours on paperwork and start generating professional, site-specific RAMS in minutes, give YourComplianceDocs a try.