In this article we will be talking about RAMS Health and Safety; I know you may have been familiar with RAM (Risk Assessment Matrix), but RAMS here refers to Risk Assessment Method Statement.
RAMS Health And Safety
What Is RAMS
Risk Assessment Method Statement is an important health and safety document that is completed to identify the steps to be undertaken to carry out a specific activity or task in a safe manner. It is like an inference drawn up after risk assessment, however it is written for each specific ask.
Method statements are written for specific, high-risk work activities such as working from a height or using dangerous equipment. Tasks are broken down into steps, the hazards involved in each step are assessed, and then control measures are described in detail so that the resulting document can be easily followed by workers and contractors. It acts as a step-by-step guide to carrying out tasks safely.
READ: What Is Risk Assessment Process
NOTE: RAMS is an aspect of Safe System of Work.
RAMS Document
As a general rule your RAMS health and safety pack should include the following:
- Company health and safety policy
- Insurance documents
- Risk assessments
- Method statements
- COSHH assessments
Benefits of RAMS Documents
- RAMS Support Safe Decision Making: Method Statements can offer the answers workers need and support safe decision making, hence guides in safe decision making.
- Clear Method Statements Prevent Misunderstandings: RAMS lay out processes step-by-step, leaving no room for confusion.
- Improve Productivity and Efficiency: With clear instructions on completing tasks safely, there’s no need for hesitation or experimental approaches to work activities. Instead, RAMS make it possible for any qualified, trained worker to complete work tasks efficiently.
- Reduce Absence Due to Sickness: Method Statements can help you manage risks and ensure the health and safety of workers. This can reduce absence due to sickness and help you cut back on the costs associated with employee absence — such as sick pay, cover and potentially even compensation.
- Reduce the Risk of Fines and Other Legal Penalties: By helping you improve workplace health and safety and ensuring compliance with risk management legislation, RAMS reduce the risk of your business being fined or facing other legal penalties.
- Safeguard Your Business’s Reputation: RAMS should effectively protect people from harm while business operations are being carried out. This can help you avoid the reputational damage that would inevitably come from poor risk management.
Top Tips For Creating A Risk Assessment Method Statement
- Local conditions, hazards and associated risks are identified, and appropriate control measures are put in place,
- The RAMS is reviewed and amended as it is a live working document,
- If there are any significant changes to the systems of work, plant and equipment or training requirements etc. that they are reflected in the document,
- Workers are briefed and consulted, and
- All stakeholders sign off on the RAMS before starting work.
READ: Risk Assessment Matrix; What It Is & How To Use It Effectively
