RAMS Template for Construction in the UK

Using a RAMS template saves time — but only if you use it properly. A template that's submitted without being tailored to the specific project, site, and conditions is worse than no template at all. It gives a false sense of compliance while failing to address the actual risks.

This guide explains what a good construction RAMS template should include, how to adapt it for each project, and the mistakes that get templated RAMS rejected.

What a construction RAMS template should cover

A well-structured template provides the framework — the sections, headings, and prompts — while leaving space for site-specific content. At minimum, it should include:

• Project information fields — site address, client name, principal contractor, your company details, dates, document reference
• Scope of works section — a prompt to describe the specific work, not a pre-filled generic description
• Hazard identification framework — common construction hazards listed as prompts, with space to add site-specific ones and remove irrelevant ones
• Risk matrix — a consistent 5×5 matrix for scoring likelihood and severity
• Control measures structure — following the hierarchy of controls (eliminate, substitute, engineer, admin, PPE)
• Method statement section — numbered steps with space for chronological task description
• PPE requirements — common construction PPE with space for task-specific additions
• Emergency procedures — standard fields for first aid, fire, and task-specific emergencies
• Sign-off block — prepared by, reviewed by, approved by, with date fields

How to customise a template properly

The difference between a useful RAMS and a rejected one is customisation. Every time you use a template, you must:

1. Update all project details — sounds obvious, but documents with the wrong site name or client are submitted more often than you'd think
2. Rewrite the scope of works — describe the actual work being done on this specific project
3. Review every hazard — remove hazards that don't apply, add any that are specific to this site or task
4. Adjust control measures — controls that worked on a previous site may not be appropriate here
5. Rewrite the method statement — the sequence of work should reflect what will actually happen, in the order it will happen
6. Check emergency details — nearest A&E, site assembly point, first aider names change between projects

A RAMS generator handles much of this by prompting you for site-specific information and pre-populating relevant hazards based on your trade and work type. This gives you a stronger starting point than a blank template.

Common template mistakes

• Submitting without customisation — principal contractors can spot a generic template immediately
• Leaving placeholder text — "[Insert site name here]" in a submitted document is an instant rejection
• Including irrelevant hazards — a template hazard list that includes "working at height" for a ground-level task shows no genuine assessment
• Wrong risk scores — template risk scores that haven't been re-evaluated for the actual conditions
• Outdated references — templates referencing superseded regulations or standards

For construction-specific guidance, see our detailed guides on construction RAMS and how to write a RAMS document. Understanding the legal requirements for risk assessments ensures your templated documents meet the "suitable and sufficient" standard.

Create your RAMS instantly with Riskora →