Who should write RAMS?

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Create better RAMS in less time, anywhere and on any device, without the need for training or technical expertise.

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Professional-looking, consistent RAMS that can stand out from the competition and win you more work

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More time for other things

RAMS shouldn’t take hours and hours of formatting, copy-and-pasting

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Create better RAMS in less time, anywhere and on any device, without the need for training or technical expertise. Our Customer success team will onboard and assist you from day one if you have any questions or need any support.

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Training Register

Integrate RAMS with Training Register to pull through training and competency records to your projects.

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Integrate with other software you use such as Teams, Sharepoint or any other software with an API.

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Link your HandsHQ and Procore accounts to have high-quality RAMS documents accessible in Procore projects.

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Who should write RAMS?

Before delving into the critical elements of writing RAMS, it is important to understand what RAMS stands for. RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. RAMS outline the potential risks associated with a task or project and provides a detailed plan for mitigating and managing those risks.

For any company undertaking high-risk work, Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) play a pivotal role in ensuring projects run smoothly and your teams are kept safe. To guarantee their effectiveness, it is crucial to consider who is responsible for writing RAMS. In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of RAMS, who is best suited to write RAMS, and how they can positively impact project success.

Identifying who should write RAMS  

Identifying which individuals have the qualifications, experience, and skills to write suitable and sufficient RAMS is essential.

The professionals responsible for writing RAMS, should possess a strong understanding of the task at hand, risk assessment methodologies, and specific knowledge of the project’s industry. They must also be up to date with the relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines that the project needs to work within. Additionally, the person should have effective communication and collaboration skills, which are crucial for engaging with the various stakeholders and ensuring RAMS are accurate and clear. Anyone responsible for writing RAMS should be referred to as a risk assessor. 

The process of writing RAMS

Writing RAMS involves several key elements that need to be considered to ensure that the RAMS created are comprehensive, accurate, and effective. The universal framework to follow in the UK is the HSE’s Five Steps to Risk Assessment. 

When writing RAMS, key elements such as risk identification and assessment, control measures to be implemented, contingency plans, personnel responsibilities, and communication protocols should be addressed. Written RAMS should be, under UK law, ‘suitable and sufficient’; outline specific guidelines for different scenarios, ensuring that all team members know the necessary precautions to prevent and mitigate risks.

Key elements to include in RAMS

Identification and assessment of risks underpin the process of writing RAMS. This involves thoroughly analysing the task or project, identifying potential hazards, and assessing their likelihood and severity. By understanding the risks involved, those writing RAMS can determine the appropriate control measures to minimise the chances of accidents or incidents occurring.

Control measures are another crucial aspect of RAMS. These measures outline the steps that need to be taken to eliminate, reduce, or manage the identified risks. They can include using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing safe working practices, providing adequate training, and ensuring the availability of necessary resources.

Contingency plans, outlining the actions to be taken in an emergency or unexpected situation are also a critical element of RAMS. By having clear contingency plans in place, the team can respond effectively and efficiently, minimising the impact of any unforeseen events.

Written RAMS should clearly define personal responsibilities to ensure that everyone involved in the project understands their role and duties in managing risks. This includes assigning specific tasks and responsibilities to individuals to ensure that they are competent to carry out their duties.

How RAMS contribute to project efficiency

Well-written RAMS are instrumental in ensuring project safety, compliance, and success. 

Efficient RAMS allow teams to proactively identify potential risks and establish control measures to address them. By clarifying responsibilities and outlining risks and procedures, RAMS facilitate smooth project execution, reducing the likelihood of delays, rework, and costly disruption that results from a safety incident. By following the guidelines outlined in the RAMS, project teams can effectively manage risks, minimising their impact and ensuring the successful completion of projects within set timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

RAMS creation is undergoing significant transformation in the digital age. By addressing key elements and avoiding common pitfalls, health and safety professionals can write RAMS that contribute to project efficiency and risk management. 

Embracing innovations and technology to support H&S professionals in RAMS creation can further enhance their impact on project management and facilitate better risk mitigation.