RAMS, method statements, and construction phase plans.
Health and safety documentation is a legal requirement on UK construction sites. The cost of preparing and implementing these documents should be included in every estimate.
Who this guide is for
Contractors tendering for projects, subcontractors preparing method statements, and anyone who needs to understand the health and safety paperwork required on UK construction sites.
What each document covers
Risk assessment and method statement (RAMS): A risk assessment identifies hazards and control measures. The method statement describes how the work will be carried out safely. Usually required for specific activities like working at height or lifting operations.
Construction phase plan (CPP): Required under CDM 2015 for all projects. It describes how health and safety will be managed during construction, including welfare facilities, site induction, emergency procedures, and information for contractors.
Miniature example
For a roof replacement, the estimate includes £1,200 for scaffolding, £350 for safety netting, and £500 for method statement preparation, toolbox talks, and weekly inspections. The CPP covers site rules, induction, and welfare facilities. These costs are part of the preliminaries.
Common mistakes
- Not allowing time and cost for RAMS preparation in the estimate
- Treating the CPP as a tick-box exercise rather than a live management tool
- Submitting generic method statements that do not reflect the specific site or activity
Related guides and tools
Learn about preliminaries and site overheads and labour productivity. Use the Construction Estimator to include H&S costs.