What is a Method Statement?

The purpose of a method statement is to provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to complete a construction task safely. They’re used by the people performing the work and sometimes provided to clients during the tender process.

Everyone involved in carrying out the work must read and understand it. Therefore, it must describe all potential hazards that workers may encounter and detail the necessary precautions.

Sometimes, people get confused between a method statement and a risk assessment. The fact that there are combined risk assessment method statements doesn’t help.

But there is a clear difference between a method statement and a risk assessment.

• A risk assessment identifies potential health hazards and details the control measures that must be taken to eliminate or mitigate the associated risks
• A method statement details how, why and when the control measures are implemented

Also, a risk assessment (RA) is a legal requirement. Every construction job needs an RA before any work can begin, even if it seems low-risk.

Method statements aren’t strictly mandatory, but it’s best practice to use them for high-risk tasks. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that completing a method statement is an effective way to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and regulations. The HSE also considers them a health and safety best practice.

Risk assessments are required for all activities, while a method statement should be considered for high-risk tasks.

Where both are necessary, the risk assessment should be written first. It’s then used to develop the method statement.

A risk assessment method statement (RAMS) document contains both a risk assessment and a method statement. These documents complement each other and form a part of a complete safe system of work.

A method statement should be prepared for any construction activity that has a high likelihood of causing harm to someone. Suppose the RA shows that a particular risk cannot be eliminated. In that case, a method statement outlining how to control that risk while working should be prepared. Both the risk assessment and method statement should be combined into a RAMS document.

Method statements require a systematic approach. Using a pre-existing template or creating a bespoke one may be helpful. While there’s no set format, it will generally contain three sections:

1. Basic information
2. Detailed information
3. Details of all risks and control measures

This section should contain basic information on the construction project itself:

• Project name
• Contact details for the company or companies involved
• A summary of the work to be completed
• Work site address
• Project start and completion dates
• Issue date and the unique document number
• Contact details for health and safety duty holders

The following section should provide further information, including:

• Work to be done
• Roles and responsibilities of those involved in the task
• Tools and equipment that are to be used
• Information on any required permits, such as a permit to work (PTW)
• Training that has been provided to staff

The last section should contain the most detail on the tasks and associated risks. You should include:

• Information on all identified hazards
• Details on control measures in place to eliminate or mitigate risks
• Step-by-step instructions on how the work is to be carried out – including set up, inspection and waste disposal procedures
• Details of first aid and emergency procedures
• Information on the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

The above is a general guide. For high-risk work, this section must be more detailed. In such cases, many construction companies utilise the services of professional health and safety advisors to compile the document.

A method statement usually follows a clear and structured layout. It’s designed to be easily understood by anyone involved in the task.

Here’s a simple mock-up of a method statement for work involving scaffolding. It’s generic, so it cannot be used as an actual method statement. Real method statements must be much more detailed and specific to the project you’re working on.

Construction work involves high-risk activities. Without proper planning, these tasks can lead to injury or worse. Method statements are essential for the following reasons:

• Clarity: Workers get a clear plan of action. They understand what needs to be done, how to do it and what precautions must be followed.
• Legal Compliance: While not mandatory, method statements help meet health and safety duties under UK legislation. The HSE sees them as part of best practice.
• Risk Reduction: By clearly identifying hazards and control measures, method statements help prevent accidents.
• Accountability: Everyone’s roles and duties are recorded. If something goes wrong, it’s easier to review what was planned and who was responsible.
• Professionalism: Clients often ask for method statements during the tender process. Supplying one shows that a company takes safety seriously.

Construction work carries significant risk. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the construction industry has the highest number of fatal accidents each year – more than the next two most dangerous industries combined.

Our Construction Training Courses will explain how to protect your team and help you ensure safety on your next project.

These online courses cover everything from risk assessments to working in confined spaces, working at height and hot works training.