RAMS software for fast risk assessments and method statements

RAMS software is software used to create, manage, review, issue, and track Risk Assessments and Method Statements in one place. In practice, that usually means replacing Word files, PDFs, email chains, and shared folders with a structured system.

A good RAMS system should let you:

• build risk assessments and method statements from templates

• link them to specific projects, sites, tasks, or contractors

• control versions and approvals

• issue documents to the right people

• keep an audit trail of what was created, changed, shared, and signed off

In Evalu-8’s case, RAMS sits alongside other EHS functions such as risk assessments, safety audits, accident and incident management, contractor management, training and compliance, equipment management, task and project management, and reporting, which is useful if you want RAMS to be part of a wider safety process rather than a standalone document tool.

A Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) document serves to identify potential hazards in the workplace, evaluate associated risks, and outline the necessary control measures and procedures to minimize those risks. It ensures that both employees and employers understand their responsibilities in maintaining a safe working environment.

Employers, managers, or designated health and safety personnel are responsible for creating and maintaining RAMS documents. They must ensure that all employees are informed, trained, and understand the risks and control measures outlined in the RAMS documents.

RAMS documents should be reviewed and updated regularly, typically at least annually or whenever there are significant changes to the workplace, tasks, equipment, or personnel. Additionally, a review should be conducted if an incident or near-miss occurs, indicating potential gaps in the existing RAMS.

No. RAMS software itself is not a legal requirement in the UK. What the law requires is that employers and contractors properly assess and manage risk.

Under HSE guidance, employers must make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of health and safety risks. Method statements are commonly used to explain the safe system of work, but HSE is clear that they are not generally required by law for every job. They become much more important in higher-risk work and, in some cases such as demolition, dismantling, or structural alteration, the arrangements must be recorded in writing before work begins.

So the honest answer is:

• Risk assessment: yes, often legally required

• Method statement: often expected and very useful, but not universally required by law in every case

• RAMS software: not legally required, but often the easiest way to manage RAMS properly at scale

A risk assessment identifies the hazards, who could be harmed, what the risks are, and what controls are needed.

A method statement explains how the work will actually be carried out safely, step by step.

Put simply:

• Risk assessment = what could go wrong and how you’ll control it

• Method statement = how the job will be done in practice

HSE describes method statements as part of safe procedures and says they are commonly generated from a risk assessment.

For example:

• A risk assessment might identify falls from height, dust exposure, and vehicle movement.

• The method statement would then set out the sequence of work, access arrangements, PPE, isolation steps, supervision, equipment to be used, and emergency arrangements.

Yes, and for most businesses it should.

RAMS is more useful when it connects to the rest of your health and safety process. In the real world, RAMS often needs to tie into:

• risk assessments

• audits and inspections

• accident and incident records

• contractor records

• training and competency data

• equipment records

• corrective actions and task tracking

• document control and e-signature

Evalu-8’s published materials position RAMS as part of a broader EHS platform rather than as an isolated tool. Its materials list RAMS alongside safety audits, risk assessments, accident and incident management, contractor management, task and project management, training and compliance, equipment management, documents and e-sign, and reporting.

So the practical answer is: yes, RAMS software can integrate with other H&S tools, and it is usually more valuable when it does.