RAMS Explained: Risk Assessments and Method Statements for Working at Height
Working at height remains one of the highest-risk activities across the construction, facilities management and maintenance industries. Whether you’re repairing a roof, installing cladding, maintaining commercial buildings or carrying out specialist inspections, proper planning is essential before anyone leaves the ground.
One of the most important planning documents used across the UK is RAMS.
RAMS stands for Risk Assessments and Method Statements, and they form the backbone of safe working practices on many sites. Clients, principal contractors and site managers frequently request RAMS before allowing work to begin, helping ensure that everyone understands the hazards involved and how those risks will be controlled.
At Access Hire UK, every operated access hire project is carefully planned with safety as the priority. Comprehensive planning helps ensure work at height is carried out efficiently, professionally and with minimal risk.
What Does RAMS Mean?
RAMS combines two separate but closely linked documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Risk Assessment | Identifies hazards and evaluates the level of risk. |
| Method Statement | Explains exactly how the work will be completed safely. |
Together, these documents provide a clear plan for carrying out work safely from start to finish.
Why Are RAMS Important?
Many workplace accidents happen because hazards were not identified before work began.
RAMS helps reduce these risks by ensuring that everyone involved understands:
- What could go wrong.
- Who could be affected.
- How risks will be controlled.
- What equipment will be used.
- Emergency procedures.
- Individual responsibilities.
Rather than reacting to problems, RAMS encourages businesses to prevent them altogether.
What Is a Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is the process of identifying anything that could cause harm.
When working at height, hazards may include:
- Falls from height.
- Falling tools.
- Uneven ground.
- High winds.
- Overhead power lines.
- Moving vehicles.
- Public access.
- Machine instability.
- Poor weather.
- Slippery surfaces.
Each hazard is assessed so suitable control measures can be introduced before work begins.
Typical Working at Height Hazards
| Hazard | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|
| Falling from platform | Serious injury or fatality |
| Falling materials | Injury to people below |
| High winds | Loss of machine stability |
| Poor ground conditions | Machine overturning |
| Traffic movement | Collision risks |
| Electrical cables | Electrocution |
| Inadequate lighting | Reduced visibility |
| Poor communication | Increased accident risk |
Identifying these hazards early allows safer decisions to be made.
What Is a Method Statement?
If the risk assessment identifies the hazards, the method statement explains how the work will actually be carried out.
A typical method statement includes:
- Scope of works.
- Equipment required.
- Site access.
- Delivery arrangements.
- PPE requirements.
- Safe working procedures.
- Emergency arrangements.
- Rescue plans.
- Responsibilities.
- Completion procedures.
It effectively acts as a step-by-step guide for the project.
Why Clients Request RAMS
Commercial clients increasingly expect contractors to supply RAMS before work begins.
This provides reassurance that the project has been planned professionally.
Typical clients requesting RAMS include:
| Client Type | Common Projects |
|---|---|
| Construction companies | Building works |
| Schools | Roof maintenance |
| Hospitals | External repairs |
| Retail parks | Signage installation |
| Local authorities | Public building maintenance |
| Industrial sites | Plant maintenance |
| Housing associations | Property repairs |
Providing comprehensive RAMS often speeds up site approval.
Who Prepares RAMS?
RAMS should always be prepared by someone who understands both the work and the associated risks.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Health and safety managers.
- Project managers.
- Site managers.
- Specialist contractors.
- Experienced supervisors.
The documents should reflect the actual work being carried out rather than using generic templates.
Why Generic RAMS Can Be Dangerous
One common mistake is relying on copied documents that don’t accurately describe the project.
Poor-quality RAMS may:
- Miss significant hazards.
- Reference incorrect equipment.
- Include outdated procedures.
- Fail to identify rescue arrangements.
- Contain incorrect site information.
Each project should have RAMS tailored specifically to its own requirements.
Working at Height Requires Careful Planning
Height work introduces hazards that simply don’t exist at ground level.
Planning should consider:
- Working height.
- Ground conditions.
- Machine selection.
- Weather.
- Public safety.
- Falling objects.
- Operator competence.
- Emergency rescue.
Every one of these factors can affect the overall safety of the project.
Choosing the Correct Access Equipment
Selecting the appropriate equipment forms a major part of the planning process.
Different jobs require different machines.
| Equipment | Suitable Applications |
|---|---|
| Scissor lift | Flat indoor working areas |
| Cherry picker | High external access |
| Articulating boom | Reaching over obstacles |
| Telescopic boom | Maximum horizontal outreach |
| Spider lift | Restricted access locations |
| Truck-mounted platform | Roadside maintenance |
The safest machine isn’t always the biggest—it is the one best suited to the task.
Site Surveys Before Work Begins
Before arriving on site, many professional contractors carry out a survey.
This helps identify:
- Access restrictions.
- Ground bearing capacity.
- Parking arrangements.
- Delivery routes.
- Underground services.
- Pedestrian routes.
- Traffic management needs.
- Nearby hazards.
These details are then reflected within the RAMS documentation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
RAMS will normally specify the PPE required for the project.
Examples include:
| PPE | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Safety helmet | Head protection |
| High-visibility clothing | Increased visibility |
| Safety boots | Foot protection |
| Gloves | Hand protection |
| Safety glasses | Eye protection |
| Harness (where required) | Fall protection |
Workers should always inspect PPE before use.
Emergency Rescue Planning
One of the most important parts of working at height is planning for emergencies.
A rescue plan should consider situations such as:
- Operator illness.
- Machine failure.
- Power loss.
- Entrapment.
- Harness suspension.
- Medical emergencies.
Simply relying on emergency services is rarely considered sufficient for planned work at height.
Communication on Site
Effective communication reduces confusion and helps prevent accidents.
RAMS often identifies:
- Who supervises the work.
- Who controls deliveries.
- Emergency contact numbers.
- First aid arrangements.
- Exclusion zone responsibilities.
- Reporting procedures.
Everyone involved should understand their role before work starts.
Daily Equipment Inspections
Access equipment should be inspected before every shift.
Typical checks include:
| Inspection Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Tyres or tracks | Stability |
| Hydraulic hoses | Prevent failures |
| Emergency lowering controls | Rescue capability |
| Guardrails | Fall protection |
| Alarms | Operator safety |
| Fuel or battery levels | Reliable operation |
Any defects should be reported immediately.
Weather Considerations
Weather conditions can significantly influence work at height.
RAMS may include procedures covering:
- High winds.
- Heavy rain.
- Ice.
- Snow.
- Lightning.
- Poor visibility.
If conditions become unsafe, work should stop until it is safe to continue.
Preventing Falling Objects
Not every accident involves someone falling.
Tools or materials dropped from height can seriously injure people below.
Control measures often include:
| Hazard | Control |
|---|---|
| Falling tools | Tool lanyards |
| Public access | Barrier systems |
| Loose materials | Secure storage |
| Vehicle movement | Exclusion zones |
| Waste removal | Controlled lowering procedures |
Protecting people at ground level is just as important as protecting those working above.
The Role of Operated Access Hire
Many companies choose operated access hire because it removes much of the complexity associated with managing MEWPs.
An experienced operator brings:
- Practical expertise.
- Knowledge of machine limitations.
- Safe setup procedures.
- Efficient positioning.
- Continuous monitoring.
- Professional operation throughout the project.
At Access Hire UK, operated access hire helps clients complete work safely while benefiting from experienced operators who understand the importance of careful planning and adherence to RAMS.
Common Mistakes Found in Poor RAMS
Well-prepared RAMS should be clear, accurate and specific to the project.
Unfortunately, poorly written documents are still common.
Examples include:
| Common Mistake | Potential Risk |
|---|---|
| Generic wording | Important hazards overlooked |
| Incorrect equipment listed | Unsafe working methods |
| Missing rescue procedures | Delayed emergency response |
| No weather considerations | Increased accident risk |
| Incomplete site details | Poor planning |
| Outdated information | Incorrect safety controls |
Taking the time to produce accurate RAMS helps create a safer working environment and demonstrates a professional approach to health and safety.
Why Investing in Proper Planning Is Worth It
Some businesses focus on reducing costs by limiting planning time or choosing the cheapest available supplier. However, inadequate preparation can result in delays, accidents and expensive project interruptions.
Premium operated access hire often includes:
- Detailed site planning.
- Project-specific RAMS.
- Experienced operators.
- Modern, well-maintained equipment.
- Comprehensive safety procedures.
- Reliable scheduling.
- Ongoing communication throughout the project.
Although this level of service typically comes at a higher price than basic equipment hire alone, it frequently delivers better overall value by reducing risk, minimising downtime and helping projects progress smoothly. Businesses that prioritise safety and professionalism often find that investing in experienced operated access hire from Access Hire UK provides confidence that every stage of the work has been carefully planned before anyone begins working at height.
Reviewing RAMS Before Work Starts
Producing RAMS is only the first step. Before any work begins, the documents should be reviewed by everyone involved in the project to ensure they understand the planned method of work.
A pre-start briefing, often referred to as a toolbox talk, gives the team an opportunity to discuss:
- The scope of the work.
- Site-specific hazards.
- Emergency procedures.
- Individual responsibilities.
- Changes since the RAMS were produced.
- Questions from the workforce.
This helps ensure everyone is working from the same plan rather than making assumptions once work has started.
RAMS Are Living Documents
One common misconception is that RAMS are written once and then forgotten.
In reality, they should be updated whenever circumstances change.
Examples include:
| Change on Site | Why RAMS May Need Updating |
|---|---|
| Different access equipment required | Working methods have changed. |
| Adverse weather | Additional control measures may be necessary. |
| New contractors arrive | Increased interaction between trades. |
| Work location changes | Different hazards may be present. |
| Programme changes | Revised sequencing of work. |
| Discovery of hidden hazards | New risks must be assessed. |
Keeping RAMS up to date ensures they remain relevant throughout the project.
Traffic Management Around MEWPs
Many access projects take place in busy environments where vehicles and pedestrians continue to move nearby.
RAMS should explain how these risks will be controlled.
Control measures may include:
- Temporary traffic management.
- Banksmen or marshals.
- Coned-off working areas.
- Temporary road closures.
- Clearly marked pedestrian diversions.
- Delivery scheduling.
Separating people, vehicles and access equipment significantly improves safety.
Managing Public Safety
Not every project takes place on a secure construction site.
Work may be carried out at:
- Schools.
- Retail parks.
- Office developments.
- Hotels.
- Hospitals.
- Residential streets.
- Public footpaths.
RAMS should explain how members of the public will be protected throughout the project.
Typical measures include:
| Risk | Control Measure |
|---|---|
| Public walking beneath work | Exclusion zones |
| Curious passers-by | Temporary fencing |
| Vehicle access | Traffic marshals |
| Falling debris | Controlled work areas |
| Children entering site | Secure barriers and supervision |
Public safety should never rely solely on warning signs.
Ground Conditions and Stability
A MEWP is only as safe as the ground beneath it.
Poor ground conditions remain one of the most significant hazards when operating access equipment.
Before work begins, consideration should be given to:
- Soft verges.
- Recently backfilled trenches.
- Underground drainage systems.
- Cellars or basements beneath pavements.
- Steep gradients.
- Gravel surfaces.
- Wet ground following heavy rain.
These details should be reflected within both the risk assessment and method statement.
Protecting Nearby Property
RAMS also help minimise the risk of damage to surrounding buildings and infrastructure.
Examples include:
- Glass curtain walling.
- Decorative stonework.
- Listed buildings.
- Air conditioning units.
- Solar panels.
- External lighting.
- CCTV cameras.
- Landscaping.
Careful machine positioning and controlled movements help prevent unnecessary damage.
Safe Loading and Unloading
The project begins long before the platform is elevated.
Loading and unloading access equipment introduces its own risks.
A method statement may include procedures covering:
- Delivery vehicle positioning.
- Ground conditions for unloading.
- Pedestrian segregation.
- Use of banksmen.
- Safe deployment of ramps.
- Equipment inspections following delivery.
Planning these activities reduces risk before work at height even starts.
Preventing Unauthorised Use
When work is paused or completed for the day, access equipment should not be left available for unauthorised use.
RAMS may include controls such as:
- Removing ignition keys.
- Isolating power supplies.
- Securing access gates.
- Locking control panels.
- Parking in designated compounds.
- Overnight inspections.
These simple precautions help prevent misuse and vandalism.
Monitoring Throughout the Project
Good safety management doesn’t stop once work has started.
Supervisors should continue monitoring:
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weather conditions | Conditions can change rapidly. |
| Operator fatigue | Concentration may reduce over long shifts. |
| Changing site activities | New hazards may appear. |
| Ground movement | Stability may alter throughout the day. |
| Public interaction | Pedestrian routes can become busier. |
| Equipment condition | Damage should be identified immediately. |
Continuous monitoring allows adjustments to be made before small issues become larger problems.
Documentation Helps Demonstrate Professionalism
Many clients view comprehensive RAMS as an indication of the contractor’s overall standards.
Well-prepared documentation demonstrates:
- Professional planning.
- Attention to detail.
- Competent management.
- Commitment to safety.
- Organised project delivery.
- Compliance with recognised working practices.
For commercial clients, this provides reassurance before granting permission for work to commence.
Supporting Insurance Requirements
Insurance providers expect businesses to take reasonable steps to reduce risk.
Accurate RAMS can help demonstrate that:
- Hazards were identified.
- Suitable control measures were implemented.
- Employees were properly briefed.
- Work was planned appropriately.
- Equipment was selected correctly.
While RAMS cannot eliminate every risk, they provide evidence that safety has been considered carefully throughout the planning process.
The Benefits of Operated Access Hire for RAMS Compliance
One of the biggest advantages of choosing operated access hire is the experience that accompanies the machine.
Rather than relying on an employee who may only use access equipment occasionally, clients benefit from an operator who works with MEWPs on a regular basis.
This helps support RAMS by ensuring:
| Operated Hire Benefit | Contribution to Safer Working |
|---|---|
| Experienced operator | Consistent safe operation |
| Professional setup | Correct machine positioning |
| Knowledge of site hazards | Improved decision making |
| Familiarity with rescue procedures | Faster response if required |
| Efficient operation | Reduced working time at height |
| Ongoing monitoring | Risks identified throughout the project |
At Access Hire UK, operated access hire is designed to complement carefully prepared RAMS, helping projects run safely and efficiently from arrival on site through to completion.
Questions Clients Often Ask About RAMS
Many customers are unfamiliar with what RAMS actually include. Below are some of the questions frequently asked before work begins.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are RAMS required for every project? | Many commercial sites require them before work starts, particularly where work at height is involved. |
| Who receives the RAMS? | Usually the client, principal contractor or site manager for approval. |
| Can RAMS be amended? | Yes, if site conditions or the scope of work change. |
| Do RAMS replace supervision? | No. They support safe working but still require competent supervision on site. |
| Are RAMS the same for every job? | No. They should be specific to the project and its hazards. |
Understanding these documents helps clients appreciate the level of planning that goes into a safe access project.
Why Quality Planning Is an Investment Rather Than a Cost
Preparing detailed RAMS takes time, experience and technical knowledge. While it may add to the initial planning stage, it often prevents delays, confusion and costly mistakes once work begins.
Premium operated access hire providers invest in:
- Thorough site assessments.
- Bespoke RAMS for individual projects.
- Highly experienced operators.
- Modern and regularly maintained access equipment.
- Ongoing staff training.
- Clear communication with clients and site managers.
- Robust safety procedures throughout the project.
Although this approach generally comes at a higher cost than choosing the cheapest access hire available, it offers greater peace of mind and helps reduce the likelihood of accidents, downtime and unexpected project costs. For businesses that value safety, professionalism and efficient project delivery, partnering with Access Hire UK ensures that careful planning is treated as an essential part of every working-at-height project, not simply an administrative exercise.