Praxis42
Health and Safety eLearning Consultancy
Risk Assessment & Method Statement (RAMS) FAQs
Our FAQs explain the purpose of a risk assessment & method statement, responsibilities, review frequency, and the safe planning of work activities.
What does RAMS stand for?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement.
- Risk Assessment – what the hazards are, who might be harmed, and how the risks are controlled
- Method Statement – how the task will be carried out safely, step by step, including equipment, competence, and emergency arrangements
RAMS is two linked documents rolled into one.
What is a method statement and risk assessment?
A method statement and risk assessment are health and safety documents used to plan work safely.
A risk assessment identifies hazards, who may be harmed, and the control measures needed to reduce risks.
A method statement sets out how a task will be carried out safely, step by step, using the controls identified in the risk assessment.
Together, they show that risks have been assessed and that work is planned and undertaken in a safe, controlled way.
Is a method statement the same as a risk assessment?
No, a method statement is not the same as a risk assessment, although they are closely linked.
A risk assessment identifies hazards, who could be harmed, and the control measures needed to reduce risk.
A method statement explains how the work will be carried out safely, using those control measures in practice.
The risk assessment identifies the risks, while the method statement explains how the work will be done safely.
What is the purpose of risk assessments and method statements?
The purpose of risk assessments and method statements is to provide a clear, practical approach to managing health and safety risks before work begins.
Risk assessments identify where harm could occur and what controls are needed, while method statements translate those controls into safe, planned ways of carrying out the work. Together, they help prevent accidents, support legal compliance, and ensure people understand how to work safely.
For more information, please read our guide, What is the purpose of a method statement?
What comes first, method statement or risk assessment?
A risk assessment identifies the hazards, assesses the level of risk, and determines the control measures needed. The method statement is then developed using those controls to explain how the work will be carried out safely in practice.
Are risk assessments a legal requirement for all businesses?
Yes. All employers are legally required to carry out risk assessments.
Businesses with five or more employees must record the significant findings in writing.
Who has the responsibility to write risk assessments and method statements?
The employer or the organisation in control of the work is responsible for ensuring that risk assessments and method statements are written.
In practice, they are often produced by a competent person with sufficient knowledge, training, and experience of the task and its risks. This may be a manager, supervisor, health and safety professional, or contractor, depending on the work involved.
While the task can be delegated, legal responsibility cannot. The employer remains accountable for ensuring the documents are suitable, sufficient, and followed in practice.
If you need support, Praxis42 offers an expert RAMS review service. Our health and safety consultants can act as your competent person by creating RAMS for you or reviewing your existing documents to ensure they meet your safety and compliance needs.
Do employees need to sign the risk assessment and method statement?
No. There’s no legal requirement for employees to sign a risk assessment or method statement.
What the law does require is that employees are:
- informed of the risks, and
- instructed and trained in the control measures and safe systems of work.
Signatures are often used as evidence that RAMS have been communicated and understood — especially on higher-risk work — but they’re good practice, not a legal duty.
Can I use a generic risk assessment for different work sites?
You can use a generic risk assessment where the work activities, hazards, and controls are the same, as long as you:
- review it for each site, and
- address site-specific risks (e.g. access, layout, other contractors, the public).
If site conditions materially affect risk, the assessment must be adapted or supplemented.
A generic risk assessment on its own is not sufficient where site risks differ.
What happens if work is carried out without RAMS?
Working without suitable RAMS can result in:
- Higher risk of accidents and injury due to poor planning and unclear controls
- Legal action for breaching health and safety law, including notices, prosecution, and unlimited fines
- Work being stopped and potential insurance issues
What should I do if the situation changes while the work is happening?
If conditions change (for example the environment, equipment, or personnel), you should:
- pause the task,
- reassess the risks, and
- update the RAMS before continuing.
Work should only restart once the new risks are controlled and everyone involved has been informed.
How often should your risk assessment and method statements be reviewed?
Risk assessments and method statements should be reviewed:
- At least annually, as good practice
- Before the work starts, to ensure they are suitable and sufficient
- When there are changes to the task, equipment, substances, or work environment
- After an incident, near miss, or accident
- If there are changes in legislation or guidance
- When new information about risks becomes available
Regular review ensures RAMS remain relevant, effective, and reflective of how work is carried out, helping maintain safety and legal compliance.