Creating a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) doesn’t have to be a long or tedious process, it can actually be easy and a little bit fun!
What is a RAMS?
A Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) is a document that outlines how high-risk construction work will be carried out safely. It identifies hazards, assesses risks and details control measures to protect workers and others on site.
Think of it as a step-by-step safety plan for specific high-risk tasks.
When is a RAMS Legally Required?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
In the UK, some industries and projects require RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) before work begins.
For construction work under CDM Regulations, you must:
- Assess risks
- Document safe methods
- Communicate procedures to workers
🇦🇺 Australia
RAMS (also known as SWMS) are legally required for high-risk construction work (HRCW) under WHS regulations.
This includes activities like:
- Working at heights (2m+)
- Operating powered mobile plant
- Working near traffic or services
- Excavation deeper than 1.5m
- Work involving asbestos
If the task is classified as HRCW, a RAMS must be prepared before work starts.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
NZ doesn’t explicitly mandate “SWMS” (or “RAMS”) by name, but under the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA):
- You must identify hazards
- Assess and manage risks
- Document safe work procedures for high-risk tasks
In practice, SWMS (RAMS) are widely used to meet these obligations, especially on construction sites.
Many principal contractors require SWMS (RAMS) as part of site entry and compliance.
What Must a Compliant RAMS Include?
While terminology varies slightly across regions, a compliant RAMS should include:
1. Scope of Work
- Description of the task
- Location and project details
2. Hazard Identification
- What could go wrong?
- Site-specific risks
3. Risk Assessment
- Likelihood and severity
- Risk rating before controls
4. Control Measures
- How risks will be eliminated or minimised
- PPE requirements
- Engineering and administrative controls
5. Step-by-Step Work Method
- Clear sequence of tasks
- Safe procedures for each step
6. Roles and Responsibilities
- Who is responsible for what
- Supervisor and worker obligations
7. Review and Monitoring
- How the RAMS will be reviewed
- Trigger points (e.g. changes in conditions)
8. Worker Sign-Off
- Evidence workers have read and understood the RAMS
The Problem with Traditional RAMS
Most construction teams struggle because RAMS are:
- Created in Word templates
- Stored in email chains or folders
- Outdated almost immediately
- Not actually used on site
That’s where simplified, digital safety management software like SiteConnect make an enormous difference.
How to Create a Compliant RAMS in SiteConnect
SiteConnect simplifies the entire RAMS process from creation to sign-off so you can cut down admin and ramp up compliance.
1. Start with a Template or Build from Scratch
Inside SiteConnect, you can:
- Use pre-built RAMS templates aligned with industry standards
- Or create your own tailored to your workflows
RAMS template selection screen in the SiteConnect admin web portal
2. Customise Your RAMS Details
Use the structured interface to:
- Name the RAMS template
- Enter the Duties to undertake
- Enter the Safety Practices
- Enter the Work Permits required
- And much more!
RAMS template creation tool in SiteConnect
3. Assign Responsibilities
Clearly define:
- Approval workflows
- Authorisers
- Supervisors
This ensures accountability and meets compliance requirements.
4. Break Work into Task Steps
Once the above is saved, you can now click on the Workflow tab to:
- Define each step of the job
- Attach hazards and risks to each step
This aligns perfectly with legal expectations across AU/NZ/UK.
RAMS task step builder with attachment feature
5. Review and Approve Digitally
RAMS can be:
- Reviewed by managers
- Approved within the platform
- Version-controlled automatically
No more confusion over “latest version” documents.
Digital sign-off for RAMS
6. Complete and Sign Off on Mobile
With SiteConnect’s mobile app, teams can:
- Access RAMS on site
- Review before starting work
- Sign digitally in real time
This is critical for demonstrating compliance during audits.
Digital sign-off for RAMS in the SiteConnect mobile app
7. Store and Retrieve Anytime
All RAMS are:
- Stored centrally in the cloud
- Easily searchable
- Audit-ready
No lost paperwork. No last-minute scrambling.
Why Use SiteConnect for RAMS?
SiteConnect isn’t just a document tool, it’s a complete safety management system.
With SiteConnect, you can:
- Create compliant RAMS in minutes
- Standardise safety processes across teams
- Ensure workers actually engage with safety documents
- Maintain a full audit trail so you don’t get caught out
👉 Explore the RAMS feature more in the SiteConnect Help Centre
👉 Learn how to complete RAMS on mobile
Pro Tips for Better RAMS
- Keep it practical: Workers should be able to follow it easily
- Review regularly: Update when conditions change
- Use visuals: Diagrams improve understanding
- Get worker input: They know the risks best
Our Final Two Cents on RAMS
A RAMS isn’t just a compliance checkbox, it’s a critical tool for keeping people safe.
By combining best-practice structure with a platform like SiteConnect, you can:
- Save hours of admin time
- Send people home safely to their families
- Stay compliant with governing bodies
And most importantly, you’ll create SWMS that actually get used!
