Creating Effective RAMS

Essential components of a good Risk Assessment Method Statement

A Risk Assessment Method Statement (RAMS) must be comprehensive and clearly outline the hazards, risks and control measures for a specific task or activity. The essential components of a good RAMS document include:

1. Title and Description of the Task/Activity: Clearly define the scope of the task or activity, including where and when it will take place.
2. Hazard Identification: A detailed list of potential hazards associated with the task (e.g., working at heights, electrical risks, use of machinery).
3. Risk Assessment: Evaluation of the level of risk posed by each hazard, considering the likelihood and potential severity of harm.
4. Control Measures: Detailed steps to eliminate or minimise the risks, such as PPE requirements, safe working practices, machinery safeguards, or environmental controls.
5. Methodology/Work Plan: A step-by-step breakdown of how the task will be carried out safely, including the use of tools, equipment, and procedures to mitigate risks.
6. Responsibility: Identification of the individuals or teams responsible for carrying out the task, ensuring safety protocols are followed and checking the work.
7. PPE and Safety Equipment: A list of all required personal protective equipment and safety devices for the task.
8. Emergency Procedures: Clear instructions on what to do in case of an accident or emergency, including first-aid procedures, evacuation plans and contact numbers for emergency services.
9. Training and Competency: Ensuring workers are adequately trained to carry out the task safely and that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to follow the RAMS.
10. Review and Monitoring: A plan for reviewing the RAMS periodically or when changes occur to ensure it stays relevant and effective.

How to identify hazards and assess risks effectively

Identifying Hazards:

• Walkthrough Inspections: Conduct regular site inspections to see potential hazards in the work environment.
• Consulting Workers: Engage with employees who are familiar with the task to name risks based on experience.
• Review of Historical Data: Look at previous accident or near-miss reports to show recurring hazards.
• Using Checklists: Use industry-specific safety checklists to ensure all relevant hazards are considered.

Assessing Risks:

• Likelihood: Evaluate the probability of the hazard causing harm (e.g. unlikely, possible, likely).
• Severity: Consider the potential impact of the hazard, including the severity of injury or damage (e.g., minor injury, major injury, fatality).
• Risk Matrix: Use a risk matrix to prioritize hazards based on their likelihood and severity, allowing you to focus on the most critical risks.
• Control Measures: Consider existing control measures and how effective they are in mitigating the identified risks and adjust as needed.

The differences between a hazard and a risk in RAMS

• A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm. In a RAMS, it refers to an element or condition that poses a danger, such as working with electrical equipment, working at heights, exposure to chemicals, or using heavy machinery.
• A risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm and the severity of that harm. It considers the probability of the hazard occurring and the consequences if it does. In a RAMS, risk is typically calculated by evaluating both the likelihood and severity of each hazard.

For example:

• Hazard: A slippery floor in a warehouse.
• Risk: The chance of slipping and injuring oneself while walking on the wet floor, with the severity being moderate to severe depending on the nature of the injury.

How detailed a RAMS document should be

A RAMS document should be detailed enough to address all potential hazards and risks associated with a specific task but not so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to understand or follow. The level of detail should:

1. Match the Complexity of the Task: For simple tasks, the RAMS may be relatively short, but for complex or high-risk activities (e.g. construction or maintenance of machinery), it should be thorough and detailed.
2. Ensure Clarity: The document should be clear and easy to follow for everyone involved. It should not use unnecessary jargon and must be easy to understand by workers at all levels.
3. Be Comprehensive: Include all the key components (hazards, risks, control measures, emergency procedures and responsibilities), ensuring nothing is overlooked.
4. Be Reviewable: It should be written in a way that allows easy updates or revisions as circumstances change, ensuring continued effectiveness and compliance.

Creating and approving RAMS within a company

Creating and approving RAMS should be a collaborative process involving several roles within the company. Key individuals responsible for RAMS include:

1. Health and Safety Manager/Officer: The primary individual responsible for overseeing the creation, review and implementation of RAMS. They ensure that the document follows relevant legislation and best practices.
2. Site/Project Managers: For specific tasks or projects, site managers play a key role in creating RAMS tailored to the work environment and scope of the task.
3. Supervisors/Team Leaders: Supervisors should review and provide feedback on RAMS to ensure they accurately reflect the day-to-day realities of the task and that the workers’ input is considered.
4. Employees/Workers: Employees who will carry out the task should be consulted when creating RAMS. Their insights into potential hazards or practical solutions to risks are invaluable.
5. External Experts or Consultants: For specialized or high-risk tasks, external experts (e.g. engineers, safety consultants, or technical advisors) may be consulted to ensure that all risks are adequately addressed.
6. Management/Directors: Senior management or company directors should approve the RAMS to ensure that it aligns with the company’s overall safety policies and objectives.

In summary, a RAMS document should be detailed, clear and comprehensive. It should reflect the specific hazards, risks and mitigation strategies of the task it covers and be approved by relevant individuals within the company, ensuring that safety and legal compliance are prioritised.