LRMS Technical Guidance · Health & Safety

    What Are RAMS? Risk Assessments and Method Statements Explained

    RAMS combine a risk assessment with a method statement. Here's what each document does and how LRMS reviews them for contractor work.

    Technical Governance MetadataStatus: CURRENT
    Author: Louanne Lanahan (CMIOSH · OSHCR)
    Jurisdiction: England & Wales (UK Statutory Guidance)
    Published: 2026-05-02
    Last Technical Review: 2026-08-20
    Primary Statutory Sources:
    • 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. ### 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 RAMS should be living documents — reviewed when conditions change, not filed and forgotten.
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    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.

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