Risk Assessment vs Method Statement — What’s the Difference?

When organisations talk about “RAMS,” they’re referring to two documents that work together to control risk: the Risk Assessment and the Method Statement.
Although related, they are not the same—and using them correctly is essential for meeting UK Health & Safety requirements (including the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999).

This guide breaks down the differences in simple terms, explains when you need both, and shows you how to complete each document properly.

1. What Is a Risk Assessment?

A Risk Assessment identifies hazards, evaluates the level of risk, and outlines the controls required to keep people safe.

It answers three questions:

1. What could cause harm?
2. Who could be harmed and how?
3. What controls are needed to reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)?

A compliant assessment will include:

• A clear list of hazards
• Who may be affected
• Existing controls
• Additional controls required
• A risk score (before and after controls)
• Sign-off and review dates

Risk Assessments are legally required for employers and the self-employed. They are also the foundation of all safe working practices.

2. What Is a Method Statement?

A Method Statement explains how a job or activity will be carried out safely.
It takes the findings of the Risk Assessment and turns them into a step-by-step safe working procedure.

A good Method Statement includes:

• A description of the task
• Roles and responsibilities
• Tools and equipment needed
• Step-by-step sequence of work
• Site-specific safety controls
• PPE requirements
• Emergency arrangements

Unlike a Risk Assessment, which focuses on hazard and risk, a Method Statement focuses on process and safe execution.

3. How Risk Assessments and Method Statements Work Together

Think of them like this:

• The Risk Assessment identifies the danger.
• The Method Statement explains how to carry out the job safely in light of those risks.

Together, they form RAMS—a complete set of safety documentation often required by:

• Clients
• Principal contractors
• Local authorities
• Insurance companies

Where a Risk Assessment says “Noise exposure is high,” the Method Statement says “Wear hearing protection and follow this process.”

Where a Risk Assessment highlights “Slips, trips, and falls,” the Method Statement explains the safe steps to prevent them.

4. When Do You Need Both?

You need both a Risk Assessment and a Method Statement when:

• Work involves significant hazards
• Tasks require a clearly defined safe system of work
• You are working on a construction site
• You are supplying RAMS to a contractor or client
• You need documented procedures for training or audit purposes

Common examples:

• Working at height
• Hot works
• Confined spaces
• Machinery use
• Electrical work
• Manual handling tasks

If the activity is complex or high-risk, you nearly always need both documents.

5. Key Differences at a Glance

Risk Assessment	Method Statement
Identifies hazards and risks	Describes how work will be done safely
Required by law	Not legally required but expected by clients
Focuses on risk levels and control measures	Focuses on sequence of work and site-specific safety
Analytical	Practical and instructional
Applies to all work activities	Used for higher-risk or complex work

Example of a Risk Assessment (left) and Method Statement (right) — Docuqo professional templates.

6. Why Using RAMS Improves Safety and Professionalism

Well-prepared RAMS demonstrate:

• Strong duty-of-care
• Good planning and competence
• Clear communication across teams
• Compliance with UK Health & Safety Law
• Professionalism when submitting documentation to contractors or clients

They protect your people, your business, and your reputation.

7. Free and Premium Templates for Your Business

Creating compliant RAMS from scratch can be time-consuming.
To help you produce clear, professional documents quickly, Docuqo provides:

✔ Risk Assessment Template (0103)

✔ Fillable PDF, A4, HSE-aligned
✔ Includes risk matrix and example controls

✔ Method Statement Template (0101)

✔ Clean layout, step-by-step work sequence
✔ Editable and ready to submit to clients

✔ RAMS Template Pack (0106)

✔ Combined Risk Assessment + Method Statement
✔ Ideal for construction, contractors, trades, and client submissions

Create Professional, Compliant RAMS in Minutes

Download our UK-aligned Risk Assessment, Method Statement, or combined RAMS templates and streamline your safety paperwork with clean, modern, easy-to-use designs.
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