RAMS (Risk Assessments Method Statments)
It is the law to have a written Safe System of Work in place if you employ 5 or more people.
Risk Assessments and Method Statements coupled together can act as your safety system.
While RAMS can be used by any business to improve health and safety, they are used mostly in the construction industry and contractors can use RAMS to demonstrate their safe work practices.
The benefits of using RAMS
Giving workers something they can refer to which can provide answers about how to complete certain tasks or roadblocks, RAMS support safe decision making.
By detailing processes one step at a time, the chance of misunderstandings and confusion is reduced.
Clear instructions on how to perform tasks will increase efficiency and productivity.
By managing risks and helping to ensure the health and safety of employees, staff absence due to sickness can be reduced, along with the costs that go with it.
By ensuring your continued compliance with risk management legislation you can reduce the risk of your business being fined or facing other penalties.
The aim of RAMS is to protect all from harm while work is ongoing. This can reduce the risk of damage to your reputation that would come from event that occurs as a result of poor management of risk.
Risk Assessments
A risk assessment will identify what could go wrong on site, whom it could affect and in what way, what control measures are in place, and what more can be done to reduce the risk to employees and anyone else on site.
The HSE recommends a five step approach to risk assessments. They are:
- Identify the hazards
- Determine who may be affected and how
- Evaluate the risks and precautions which can be taken
- Record your findings and implement any required actions
- Review assessment and update if necessary
Method Statements
- Who you are working for
- Where it is
- When you start
- What you are doing
- Breakdown of what materials are needed
- Sequence of works
- Tools needed
- Details of those doing the work
- Significant hazards presented
- Details of dangerous substances
- What to do in the event of an emergency including the location of medical provision
- What welfare arrangements are in place
