Risk Assessments and Method Statements are the simple answer.
A more detailed explanation is: a suitable and sufficient system for communicating the risks involved in a scope of work, typically in the construction industry, with detailed assessments of those risks and descriptions of how to mitigate them. A straightforward example is work at height, which should never be undertaken if the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated.
Background
The term RA/MS (as it was originally listed) has evolved into RAMS over time through colloquial usage. Now common terminology within construction, manufacturing, and most areas of manual work, it demonstrates that you have communicated the relevant risks to your team.
It is a legal requirement for all companies to produce a RAMS for every aspect of their work. However, the process can become excessive when overzealous safety or site managers insist on including unnecessary details, such as minor aspects of access and egress, that are not required.
Site-specific procedures applicable to large projects should be provided to you and listed as Standard Operating Procedures. These can then be included in your documentation and signed by the attending workers.
Is that all I have to do?
Mostly, yes. However, certain tasks may carry additional risk due to location or surrounding activities. In these situations, you may need to carry out a Point of Work Risk Assessment (POWRA). There may also be Permits to Work, which must be managed by the Principal Contractor or Client.
POWRAs and Permits! Is that it?
As long as your workers are trained, competent, and certified to carry out the work, yes.
Why MyRamsApp
From our experience, we’ve found that contractors often rely on poor-quality Word or Excel templates found online, spending up to eight hours a month editing and adapting RAMS. These documents frequently fail to gain first-time approval, leading to costly delays, project interruptions, and complicated labour logistics. MyRAMSapp eliminates these issues by providing RAMS specifically designed for single-trade specialist contractors, saving time and reducing costs.
Easily create fully compliant Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) documents in just three simple steps—all from your mobile device. Try the MyRAMS app today and discover how effortless compliance can be. Sign up today.