RAMS Software vs Templates
Free RAMS templates seem like the obvious choice. But when you factor in the hours spent filling them in, the compliance gaps, and the risk of rejection on site, they are the most expensive option.
3 hrs
Average time to complete a RAMS template
2 min
Time to generate with swiftRMS
98%
Time reduction
4 Problems with RAMS Templates
They cite outdated legislation
Many free RAMS templates reference superseded regulations or miss recent amendments. A template citing CDM 2007 instead of CDM 2015 will be rejected on site.
They are not trade-specific
A generic construction RAMS template does not cover the specific hazards of electrical work, roofing, or demolition. Principal contractors expect task-specific content.
They cost more than you think
A 'free' template that takes 3 hours to complete costs £150 in lost productive time (at £50/hour). That is more expensive than most RAMS software subscriptions.
They create compliance risk
If a template is incomplete, generic, or incorrectly filled in, you are submitting a non-compliant document with your name on it. In an incident investigation, that document is evidence.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| RAMS Software | Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Time per document | Under 2 minutes | 2-4 hours |
| Legislation references | Auto-cited (CDM, COSHH, PUWER, etc.) | You must research and add manually |
| Trade-specific hazards | AI-generated for your exact task | Generic hazards, often not trade-specific |
| Upfront cost | 14-day free trial | Free download |
| True cost (with your time) | £49/mo for unlimited | £100-200 per doc (at £50/hr labour) |
| Professional formatting | Auto-formatted PDF with branding | Depends on your Word/Excel skills |
| Consistency across team | Same quality every time | Varies by who fills it in |
| Updates when legislation changes | Updated automatically | Your responsibility to update |
| COSHH assessments | Generated alongside RAMS | Separate template needed |
| Site-specific detail | Tailored to your job description | Generic, needs heavy customisation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free RAMS templates compliant with UK regulations?
It depends on the template. Many free templates available online are outdated, generic, or incomplete. A compliant RAMS must cite the correct current legislation (CDM 2015, HASAWA 1974, COSHH 2002, etc.), identify site-specific and task-specific hazards, and specify adequate control measures. If the template does not do this, the completed document is not compliant regardless of how well you fill it in.
Why not just use a Word template and fill it in?
You can, but it takes 2-4 hours per document, requires you to research and cite legislation manually, and produces inconsistent results. For a contractor producing multiple RAMS per month, the time cost exceeds the cost of software within the first month. The quality and consistency advantages of software compound over time.
What is the real cost of using RAMS templates?
If you value your time at £50/hour (conservative for a qualified tradesperson or manager), a 3-hour template completion costs £150 per document. At 10 documents per month, that is £1,500/month or £18,000/year in lost productive time. swiftRMS Pro at £49/month gives you unlimited documents for 97% less.
When are templates appropriate?
Templates may be appropriate for very low volume users (1-2 RAMS per year) who have sufficient H&S knowledge to complete them properly. For anyone producing RAMS regularly, the time savings and compliance benefits of software make it the better choice.