RAMS Software in Health and Safety: Benefits of Using Risk Assessment Method Statements

When reviewing health and safety in your workplace and carrying out risk assessments, you may hear about RAMS documents. RAMS documents serve as comprehensive guides that outline strategies to achieve optimal performance, while minimising risks.

Understanding RAMS documents

RAMS stands for Risk Assessment Method Statement. This is an important health and safety document completed to identify the steps to be undertaken to carry out a specific activity or task, ensuring it is done safely. RAMS can be used in conjunction with the risk assessment process.

RAMS documents provide a structured framework for evaluating and enhancing the performance of complex systems.

Method Statements build on the information outlined in a risk assessment and expand on hazard identification and management and the control measures needed. They detail how specific activities can be carried out safely, describing control measures and safety precautions.

Unlike risk assessments, which review the whole workplace for hazards, method statements are written for high-risk work activities. Tasks are broken down into steps, and the hazards involved in each of these steps are assessed. All control measures are described in detail, so that the final document can be followed by workers and contractors, acting as a step-by-step guide to carrying out the task safely.

What industry sectors use RAMS?

Method statements are most commonly used in high-risk sectors like construction and engineering industries, as these are sectors that have specific high-risk tasks that need to be carried out in a specific way to mitigate risks.

What are the benefits of using RAMS documents?

Support safe decision making – Provide a structured approach to identifying, evaluating and mitigating risks associated with various tasks and projects.
Clear method statements prevent misunderstandings – Outline exact procedures and steps required to complete a task safely.
Improve productivity and efficiency – By defining clear, safe and efficient methods for performing tasks, RAMS documents can streamline operations.
Reduce absence due to sickness or injury – RAMS documents play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating risks that could lead to workplace injuries or health issues.
Reduce risks of fines and penalties – Ensures all activities are conducted in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Safeguard your business’ reputation – A strong commitment to health and safety enhances a business’ reputation among employees, clients and the broader community, which could be a competitive advantage.

What are the benefits of using RAMS Software like AssessNET?

Streamline health and safety processes – AssessNET provides a streamlined health and safety process with a task-specific Safe System of Work (SSoW). It centralises key compliance information into one point of truth and allows you to bring all actions, notes and lessons learnt together into one RAMS file. In addition, you can review the status of tasks and optimise their efficiency.

Compliance and documentation – Where adherence to stringent safety standards is vital, RAMS software helps organisations ensure regulatory compliance by generating comprehensive documentation, audit trails and compliance reports.

Key features of our RAMS functionality:

Record lessons learnt through the lifecycle of RAMS – Our RAMS functionality enables users to document lessons learned at every stage of the process. It ensures valuable insights and experiences are captured systematically, facilitating continuous improvement.

Relevant users are notified when tasks and reviews are due – Our system automatically sends notifications to relevant users when specific tasks are due for review or deadlines are approaching. This ensures that all necessary actions are completed on time, helping maintain compliance with safety protocols.
Ability to link notes, actions and reports to relevant assessments – Our centralised RAMS software system enables all necessary associated documentation to be stored against assessments.
Full version control for traceability, transparency and compliance with ISO 45001 and HSG65

Want to know AssessNET’s RAMS software? Click here for more information