HSE Statutory Guidance

HSE Compliance & Risk Guide

Learn the methodology of structural hazard mitigation, map your operational threat vectors dynamically with our visual risk matrix, and align with UK statutory guidelines.

Interactive Tool

Interactive 5x5 Risk Assessment Matrix

Calculate risk score parameters dynamically. Click any cell in the 5x5 grid to calculate active risk severities immediately.

Severity ➔
1Negligible
2Minor
3Moderate
4Major
5Catastrophic
5Almost Certain
4Likely
3Possible
2Unlikely
1Rare

Interactive Risk Preview

Click any block on the 5x5 grid to calculate the risk factor and view mitigation strategies instantly.

The HSE Hierarchy of Safety Controls

When compiling safety parameters within your RAMSMate document, you are legally required to tackle risk using the inverted pyramid structure of risk minimisation.

1. Elimination

Remove the hazard completely from the workspace.

Example: Design out work-at-height requirements entirely by pre-assembling components on the ground floor.

2. Substitution

Replace the high-risk substance or tool with a safer alternative.

Example: Swap toxic solvent-based adhesive chemical mixes with organic water-based coatings.

3. Engineering Controls

Isolate personnel from the hazard using mechanical systems.

Example: Install physical perimeter guardrails, local exhaust ventilation hoods, or sound-muffling screens.

4. Administrative Controls

Change how workers coordinate their jobs and maintain visual alerts.

Example: Implement robust safe systems of work, safety signage alerts, and compile detailed RAMSMate logs.

5. PPE

Provide personal protective gear to shield individual workers.

Example: Distribute hard hats, steel-toe safety boots, high-visibility vest shells, and fit-tested safety goggles.

Anatomy of a Compliant RAMS Document

1. Risk Assessment (RA)

The RA focuses on identifying specific site hazards, evaluating who might be harmed, establishing active likelihood/severity ratings before control structures, and detailing concrete mitigation actions to lower parameters to a safe baseline.

  • Dynamic hazard lists mapped by trade class
  • PPE grid alignment
  • Assigned severity indices

2. Method Statement (MS)

The MS details the exact, step-by-step sequence of work tasks, outlining how hazardous jobs will be conducted safely. It contains information regarding site supervision, emergency procedures, tool operations, and touch signature approvals.

  • Detailed sequencing of steps
  • Responsible management supervisor parameters
  • Legally binding worker sign-off registers