RAMS for Sole Traders: What You Actually Need
Pro Site Docs · Guide
If you are a one-person band, the paperwork side of construction can feel like it is designed for big firms. It is not — and getting it right wins you work. Here is what a sole trader actually needs.
The essentials
- A RAMS for each type of work you do
- Public liability insurance
- Relevant competence cards (CSCS etc.)
- COSHH assessments for any hazardous materials
Why it wins you work
Main contractors and commercial clients will not let you on site without a RAMS. Having professional documentation ready means you can say yes to bigger jobs instead of losing them to a competitor who is "paperwork ready".
Do it once, reuse it
You do not rewrite your RAMS for every job — you keep a professional template and tailor the project details each time. Our RAMS templates and trade bundles are built for exactly this. Try 5 free templates first.
Lee Hunt — SMSTS · NEBOSH NG1 & NG2 · NEBOSH Health & Safety Leadership Excellence · CSCS Black Card · Level 6 Diploma in Construction Site Management · IOSH · ISEP (environmental) · Temporary Works Supervisor & Coordinator · Lift Supervisor. Last reviewed: 29 August 2026.
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General guidance only. This article explains how the rules generally work in UK construction. It is not advice for your specific site, task or project, and it is not legal advice. Your own risk assessment, method statement and arrangements must be prepared and checked by a competent person for the actual work being done.