Quality Assessment Tool

RAMS Quality Analyzer

Check if your risk assessments have the 5 mistakes that get them rejected

The 5 Most Common RAMS Mistakes

Based on analysis of hundreds of rejected risk assessments, these are the critical errors that get RAMS sent back by HSE and contractors.

Be honest: This assessment only helps if you answer truthfully. No one sees your answers except you.

Mistake #1: Missing or Incorrect Legislation

HSE expects to see specific, relevant UK legislation cited. Generic references or missing citations are a red flag.

Does your RAMS cite specific UK regulations (e.g., 'WAHR 2005 Reg 3')?

Why this matters: Generic phrases like 'relevant legislation' or 'as required by law' aren't sufficient. Name the specific Act and regulation number.

Are the cited regulations actually relevant to your specific task?

Why this matters: Don't copy-paste legislation lists. Each citation should directly relate to hazards in THIS assessment.

Have you included industry-specific regulations (CDM, COSHH, LOLER, etc.)?

Why this matters: Construction needs CDM 2015, chemical handling needs COSHH 2002, lifting needs LOLER 1998.

Mistake #2: Generic Controls That Don't Match Hazards

Control measures must be specific, practical, and directly address the identified hazards.

Are your control measures specific to each hazard (not generic lists)?

Why this matters: Bad: 'Use appropriate PPE'. Good: 'Wear steel-toe boots (EN ISO 20345), hard hat (EN 397), and high-vis vest (EN ISO 20471)'.

Do your controls follow the hierarchy (eliminate → reduce → PPE)?

Why this matters: PPE should be the last resort. Show you've considered elimination and reduction first.

Are controls realistic and actually implementable on site?

Why this matters: HSE can tell when controls are theoretical. If you write it, you must be able to demonstrate it.

Mistake #3: No Risk Rating Methodology Shown

You must show HOW you determined risk levels, not just state 'high/medium/low'.

Does your RAMS include a risk rating matrix or methodology?

Why this matters: Include a matrix showing how you calculate risk (e.g., Likelihood × Severity = Risk Level).

Are risk ratings calculated both BEFORE and AFTER controls?

Why this matters: You must show residual risk after controls are applied, not just initial risk.

Do your risk ratings make logical sense?

Why this matters: Working at height without edge protection can't be 'low risk'. HSE will challenge unrealistic ratings.

Mistake #4: Incomplete or Missing Hierarchy of Controls

You must demonstrate consideration of the full hierarchy, not just jump to PPE.

Have you documented why you can't eliminate each hazard completely?

Why this matters: For each hazard, state why elimination isn't possible (if it isn't). This shows you considered it.

Do you show engineering/administrative controls before PPE?

Why this matters: Guardrails before harnesses. Extraction systems before respirators. Automation before manual handling.

If using PPE, have you specified exact standards and fit testing?

Why this matters: Not just 'wear gloves'. Specify: 'Wear chemical-resistant nitrile gloves (EN 374) - size confirmed via fit testing'.

Mistake #5: No Evidence of Competent Person Review

HSE wants to see WHO created the assessment and what qualifies them to do so.

Does your RAMS show who created it (name and job title)?

Why this matters: Include: 'Prepared by: John Smith, Site Manager, NEBOSH National General Certificate'.

Are the creator's H&S qualifications or experience stated?

Why this matters: NEBOSH, IOSH, NVQ, or demonstrable years of experience in the task being assessed.

Is there evidence of review by a second competent person?

Why this matters: Best practice: Include 'Reviewed by: Sarah Jones, H&S Advisor, NEBOSH Diploma' with signature and date.