The Difference Between a Risk Assessment and a Method Statement (RAMS)

Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are two of the most commonly confused documents in UK health and safety. Many small businesses use the terms interchangeably — but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you stay compliant, protect your workforce, and present professional documentation to clients and contractors.

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A Risk Assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and outlines the control measures needed to prevent harm.

It answers the question: 👉 “What could go wrong, and how do we stop it?”

A good risk assessment includes:

• The task or activity

• Hazards

• Who may be harmed

• Existing controls

• Additional controls needed

• Risk ratings

• Review dates

It is a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

What Is a Method Statement?

A Method Statement explains how a task will be carried out safely. It is a step‑by‑step safe working procedure.

It answers the question: 👉 “How do we do this job safely from start to finish?”

A method statement typically includes:

• The sequence of work

• Equipment to be used

• PPE requirements

• Site‑specific controls

• Emergency arrangements

• Responsibilities

• Environmental considerations

Method statements are not legally required by name — but they are widely used in construction, engineering, maintenance, and contractor management.

How Risk Assessments and Method Statements Work Together

Think of it like this:

• Risk Assessment = What could go wrong

• Method Statement = How to do the job safely

Together, they form RAMS — a complete safety pack for higher‑risk tasks.

Examples of tasks that often require RAMS:

• Working at height

• Hot works

• Confined spaces

• Machinery maintenance

• Lifting operations

• Electrical work

• Construction activities

Common Mistakes Businesses Make

1. Using generic RAMS

Clients and auditors expect documents tailored to the actual task and site.

2. Writing method statements without a risk assessment

A method statement must be based on identified risks — not guesswork.

3. Overly long documents

RAMS should be clear, concise, and easy for workers to follow.

4. Not briefing staff

RAMS are only effective if workers understand and follow them.

When You Need RAMS

You should produce RAMS when:

• A client requests them

• Work is high‑risk

• Contractors are involved

• The task is complex or unusual

• You need to demonstrate safe planning

RAMS are especially important in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance environments.

Conclusion

Risk Assessments and Method Statements are powerful tools when used correctly. Risk assessments identify hazards; method statements explain how to work safely. Together, they help you protect your workforce and demonstrate compliance.

If you need help creating clear, practical RAMS for your business, I can support you.