In many cases, yes. Subcontractors are commonly required to provide their own RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) to the principal contractor before starting work on site.
Under the Health and Safety Executive CDM Regulations 2015, contractors have duties to plan, manage and carry out their work safely. Principal contractors are also responsible for coordinating health and safety during the construction phase and ensuring suitable arrangements are in place on site.
As part of this process, subcontractors are often asked to provide RAMS relating to the specific work activities they will be carrying out. This helps demonstrate that hazards, risks and control measures have been considered before work begins.
RAMS provided by subcontractors commonly include:
- Details of the work being carried out
- Identified hazards and associated risks
- Control measures and safe working procedures
- Equipment and materials being used
- PPE requirements
- Emergency arrangements
- Relevant training or competency information
The level of detail required will usually depend on the type of work and the risks involved. Higher-risk construction activities may require more detailed documentation and site-specific control measures.
Principal contractors may review subcontractor RAMS before authorising work activities on site to help ensure they align with site rules, project arrangements and existing safety procedures.