What is a Method Statement and How do I Write One

What is a Method Statement?

A work method statement, sometimes called a "safe system of work", is a document that details the way a work task or process is to be completed. The method statement should outline the hazards involved and include a step by step guide on how to do the job safely. The method statement must also detail which control measures have been introduced to ensure the safety of anyone who is affected by the task or process.

You have probably noticed that Method Statements are more and more these days being requested by organisations of all sizes and in all industries. The reason they do this is so they can comply with Health and Safety legislation which requires them to make suitable and sufficient enquiries as to the competence of any organisation they contract to carry out work.

Method Statements are frequently requested as part of a tender process which allows the company to gain an insight into your organisation and the way it operates. They allow your company to demonstrate how it can provide goods and services in a safe and high quality manner. For this reason Method Statements become another brochure for your company and it is necessary to have well presented documentation to gain a competitive advantage over your competition.

Writing a Method Statement may seem like a daunting task, but this article will guide you through the process and enable you to approach Method Statements with confidence.

Alternatively if you really don't have the time to do them contact us on Free Phone 0800 849 67 28 and we will write your method statements for you More....

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How do I write a Method Statement?

The first task is to carry out a Risk Assessment, for details of how to do this please click Here. A Risk Assessment will highlight the significant hazards and control measures required to prevent injury or ill health whilst carrying out the task and will provide details to add to your method statement document.

HS Direct Ltd has a blank method statement template and a variety of example method statements for just £16.95 + VAT. Please click Here for a list of available documents.

To see a full list of our templates and example health and safety documents please click here

The first section of your method statement document is the header information and should be used to provide information to your staff or prospective clients, this section might include;

A Title e.g. Work Method Statement, or Standard Operating Procedure
A brief description of the works, task or process
Your company details, logo, name, address etc
Start date, completion date
Site address
Site contact details including emergency numbers etc
Document author, H&S contact
Document number, issue date, revision date, revision number etc

Section 2 can be used as a summary of the main hazards that are present and the control measures that must be implemented, this section should also be used to list the Personal Protective Equipment that must be worn, the information for this page will be extracted from your risk assessment document. Section 2 can also be used to detail any Environmental or Quality procedures that must be taken during the task.

Section 3 is used to describe the task in more detail and relevant generic information such as;