Who Is Responsible for Creating RAMS? A UK Contractor's Guide

cofford9
Jul 21
3 min read

Quick Answer

The responsibility for creating a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) usually sits with the person or organisation carrying out the work. In most cases, this is the contractor or subcontractor undertaking the task, as they are best placed to understand the work, identify the hazards and implement suitable control measures.

However, responsibilities can vary depending on the project, contractual arrangements and who is managing the work. Understanding who should prepare RAMS helps ensure work is planned safely and avoids delays before a project starts.

Why Are RAMS Requested?

Clients and principal contractors often request RAMS before work begins because they want to understand:

The hazards associated with the work.
How those risks will be controlled.
The equipment and materials being used.
The safe system of work that will be followed.
How workers, members of the public and the surrounding environment will be protected.

Providing clear, job-specific RAMS demonstrates that the work has been properly planned and helps give clients confidence that it can be carried out safely.

Is It the Contractor's Responsibility?

In most cases, yes.

If you're carrying out the work, you're usually responsible for ensuring suitable risk assessments are completed and safe working methods are planned.

This applies to many trades, including:

Electricians
Builders
Roofers
Plumbers
Joiners
Groundworkers
HVAC engineers
Maintenance contractors

As the contractor, you're generally the person with the best understanding of the work, the equipment being used and the hazards that need to be controlled.

What About Subcontractors?

Subcontractors are normally responsible for producing RAMS for the work they undertake.

On larger construction projects, the principal contractor may review the RAMS before work starts to ensure they meet the site's requirements and adequately address any site-specific risks.

It's common for clients or principal contractors to request amendments before approving the documentation.

Does the Client Create RAMS?

Usually not.

While clients may request RAMS and specify the standards they expect, they don't normally prepare them for contractors.

Instead, the contractor carrying out the work is responsible for producing documentation that accurately reflects how the work will be completed safely.

For larger construction projects, the principal contractor may also provide site-specific information that contractors should consider when preparing their RAMS.

Can Someone Else Write RAMS for You?

Yes, but whoever prepares the document should have a good understanding of the work being carried out.

Using generic templates or documentation copied from previous jobs can result in hazards being overlooked or control measures that don't reflect the task.

Creating bespoke RAMS for each project helps ensure the information is relevant, accurate and more likely to be accepted by your client.

Why Job-Specific RAMS Matter

No two jobs are exactly the same.

Even similar projects can involve different:

Working environments
Access arrangements
Equipment
Hazards
Control measures
Other contractors on site

Tailoring your RAMS to the specific task helps improve safety, demonstrates professionalism and reduces the likelihood of delays caused by rejected documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a principal contractor write RAMS for subcontractors?

A principal contractor may review RAMS or request changes, but subcontractors are generally responsible for preparing RAMS for the work they undertake.

Can a sole trader create RAMS?

Yes. Sole traders are responsible for preparing suitable RAMS whenever their work requires them.

Can I use the same RAMS for every job?

No. Every project should have RAMS that reflect the specific work, location, hazards and control measures involved.

What happens if my RAMS are rejected?

You'll normally be asked to amend and resubmit them before work can begin. Producing clear, job-specific RAMS can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Create Bespoke RAMS in Minutes

Preparing RAMS doesn't need to be time-consuming.

Safe Trade Solutions helps contractors create bespoke, fully editable Risk Assessments and Method Statements in minutes. Simply enter your job details and our AI-powered platform generates documentation tailored to your work.

Every document can be edited, branded with your company logo and downloaded instantly, helping you spend less time on paperwork and more time completing the job safely.