HSE acronyms explained: RAMS
The H&S Dept
We’re taking the opportunity to look at RAMS. What it stands for, what it means for your business and if there are any serious ramifications for not having them!
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. Essentially the combination of carrying out a risk assessment and then using this to inform a structured way of working to keep everyone safe, the method statement. Not every risk assessment requires a method statement, but high-risk activities will.
What does the law say?
As an employer, you have a legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of your employees and others who may be affected by your work activities. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers and the self-employed to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of health and safety risks, and to put appropriate preventive and protective measures in place.
This means:
identifying hazards,
deciding who might be harmed and how,
evaluating the risks,
deciding on proportionate control measures,
recording the significant findings where required,
reviewing the assessment when circumstances change.
What does a method statement do?
A method statement brings together the various hazards and the ways in which they are to be controlled from the risk assessment. It will also take into account your businesses health and safety organisation and training procedures.
Ultimately, the method statement describes exactly how a job is to be carried out in a logical sequence. It ensures health and safety is paramount and includes all the control measures needed to minimise any risk.
When would you need a method statement?
A method statement is not a standalone universal legal requirement for every task, but it is often expected for higher-risk work and may be needed to demonstrate that a suitable safe system of work has been planned and communicated.
In construction, RAMS are commonly used to support compliance with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 and to help clients, principal contractors and contractors coordinate work safely.
Method statements are an effective and practical way to plan, communicate, monitor and manage higher-risk activities, particularly where several trades, contractors, items of plant, hazardous substances, work at height, lifting operations, hot works or other significant hazards are involved.
How can RAMS help your business?
Because RAMS are designed to protect your workers, your business is protected too. Having RAMS in place brings multiple benefits:
Prevent misunderstandings. There is no second guessing with RAMS, the step-by-step nature means there is no room for confusion.
Increased efficiency. Clear instructions for how to complete the task safely means there is no time lost.
Reduce illness and injury. As RAMS is designed to keep everyone healthy and safe, you will minimise staff absence. Less sick pay and compensation pay outs.
Reduce the risk of enforcement action. Effective RAMS help show that foreseeable risks have been assessed, suitable control measures have been planned, and workers have been given clear instructions. This can reduce the likelihood of incidents and the risk of enforcement action, prosecution and associated costs if things go wrong.
Safeguard your name. Having RAMS in place is good risk management, so your business will have a good reputation, which is always good for business.
What could happen if you don’t have RAMS?
Earlier this year, a stone company was fined over £50,000 after a worker was tragically killed on site. In this case study, a worker was offloading granite slabs from a lorry loader on his workplace premises, when two granite slabs, weighing a total of over 900kg fell and struck him, causing fatal injuries.
In the following Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation, it was determined that there were serious safety breaches which contributed to the fatal incident. In this scenario, practices were occurring which contradicted the safe systems of work for this high-risk activity.
Some safe practices were identified (such as having vertical safety posts in place) but were not being adhered to. Other safe practices should have been identified within the safe systems of work for this activity, but unfortunately were not. RAMS could have ensured unsafe practices were not happening.
The learning point for businesses from this sad news story is that, if your workplace carries out high-risk activities, RAMS can help ensure that safe practices are identified, communicated, monitored and followed. They help keep your staff, contractors, visitors and others safe from harm.
You’re in safe hands with us
At The Health & Safety Dept, we are experts in all things health and safety. Our colleagues have helped thousands of businesses with RAMS to ensure safe working practices, whether in high-risk industries or others.
As your business changes or grows, we can adapt to meet your needs. Our tailored approach means you can rest assured that your business is being looked after and your RAMS will be effective in keeping everybody safe.
Using our services gives you peace of mind that you are accessing top quality health and safety care, securing the longevity of your business. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
