Structured Risk Control, Method Governance, and Safe Delivery Assurance

Purpose & Governance Context

Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) are fundamental to controlled external works delivery within regulated construction environments. They define how activities will be undertaken safely, how hazards are mitigated, and how responsibilities are allocated across site teams and subcontractors. Within commercial and public-sector projects — particularly live, phased, or multi-trade sites — RAMS operate as a governance instrument rather than a procedural formality.

At Landcraft, RAMS are treated as operational control documents. They are produced for every project and tailored to scope complexity, environment sensitivity, and interface risk. Documentation aligns with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), Principal Contractor systems, and site-specific Construction Phase Plans.

This summary sheet outlines how RAMS are structured, implemented, reviewed, and evidenced across our projects.

Scope & Application

RAMS are prepared for all significant work activities, including but not limited to:

• Excavation and ground preparation
• Plant and machinery operation
• Lifting and placement of materials
• Installation of paving, kerbs, and retaining elements
• Tree planting and pit formation
• SuDS installation and drainage interface works
• Works adjacent to services
• Activities within live or occupied environments

On phased or live sites, separate RAMS may be prepared for different work fronts where access routes, segregation measures, or environmental risks differ.

Structure of a RAMS Pack

Each RAMS pack is structured to provide clarity, traceability, and enforceable control measures. It typically includes:

1. Project & Activity Overview

Defines the scope of works covered, work location, sequencing intent, and responsible supervisory personnel.

2. Risk Assessment

Identifies hazards associated with the specific activity, assesses risk severity and likelihood, and defines proportionate control measures. Hazards commonly addressed include:

• Plant–pedestrian interaction
• Manual handling strain
• Service strikes
• Falls from height or into excavations
• Dust and noise exposure
• Interface conflict with adjacent trades

Risk ratings are assigned before and after control implementation to demonstrate mitigation effectiveness.

3. Method Statement

Sets out the step-by-step safe working procedure. This includes:

• Pre-start checks and site preparation
• Defined sequence of operations
• Exclusion zones and segregation measures
• Supervision and monitoring requirements
• Tool and equipment checks
• Waste and environmental controls

Method statements reflect real site conditions and programme sequencing rather than generic templates.

4. COSHH & Material Controls

Where applicable, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments are included. These define:

• Safe storage and handling procedures
• PPE requirements
• Spill response protocols
• Disposal arrangements

5. Emergency Procedures

Contact details, first-aid arrangements, fire response actions, and escalation routes are clearly identified.

Implementation & Briefing

RAMS are not effective unless implemented. To ensure control measures are embedded:

• Documents are reviewed by competent managers (SMSTS/SSSTS trained)
• RAMS are issued to Principal Contractors where required for approval
• Operatives are briefed through structured inductions and toolbox talks
• Attendance records are maintained for traceability
• Supervisors monitor adherence throughout the activity

Where conditions change — for example, altered access routes, additional trades, or revised sequencing — RAMS are reviewed and reissued accordingly.

Interface Risk Management

Landscape works are typically delivered during high-interface phases of the programme and therefore require explicit management of coordination risk, including:

• Shared access routes
• Crane or plant movement overlap
• Protection of newly installed works
• Temporary works stability
• Public or stakeholder proximity

Coordination meetings and daily briefings support dynamic risk management in these environments.

Monitoring, Review & Audit

RAMS remain “live” documents throughout the construction phase. Governance includes:

• Scheduled reviews at key programme milestones
• Triggered reviews following scope change or incident
• Site inspections to verify control implementation
• Incident and near-miss reporting mechanisms
• Corrective action and re-briefing where required

This structured approach ensures RAMS support compliance with site governance frameworks, audit processes, and insurer expectations.

Assurance & Record Keeping

Documentation is retained and managed in line with project requirements and can include:

• Approved RAMS versions
• Briefing attendance sheets
• Permit-to-work records
• Plant inspection logs
• Incident reports and corrective action records

These records provide defensible evidence of due diligence, supporting client confidence, audit review, and regulatory compliance.

Operational Objective

The objective of RAMS within Landcraft’s delivery model is not merely to satisfy procedural requirements. It is to:

• Protect operatives and the public
• Maintain programme stability
• Reduce interface conflict
• Prevent damage and rework
• Support predictable, controlled site operations

In regulated environments, safe delivery is inseparable from professional credibility. Structured RAMS governance ensures landscape works are executed with discipline, transparency, and measurable control.