- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Risk assessment
A risk assessment identifies the hazards present in a task, who might be harmed and how, and the control measures in place or needed. It is a legal requirement for all work activities under Regulation 3 of the Management Regulations 1999.
Method statement
A method statement describes *how* the work will be carried out safely — the sequence of operations, the specific controls, the equipment used, and the responsibilities. It translates the risk assessment into a practical, site-specific plan.
RAMS review
When contractors submit RAMS, LRMS reviews them for:
- Hazard identification completeness
- Proportionality of controls to real risk
- Consistency with site conditions and permit requirements
- Clarity so that the workforce can actually follow them
Cited Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What are RAMS?
RAMS combine a risk assessment (which identifies hazards and controls) with a method statement (which describes how the work will be carried out safely). Together they translate risk assessment into a practical, site-specific plan.
Is a risk assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. Under Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all work activities.
How does LRMS review contractor RAMS?
LRMS reviews RAMS for hazard identification completeness, proportionality of controls, consistency with site conditions and permit requirements, and clarity so the workforce can actually follow them.
About Louanne Lanahan
Founder & Director · CMIOSH · OSHCR
Chartered Safety Practitioner (CMIOSH), registered on OSHCR, MIFSM, AIFireE, and NFRAR. Founder and Director of Lanahan Risk Management Services Ltd since 2014.