It’s no secret that keeping your team safe at work takes careful planning. If you manage high-risk tasks or complex projects, you’ve probably heard the term ‘method statement’ being thrown around, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, it’s a vital tool for managing risks and keeping your operations running smoothly.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating compliant method statements that keep your workforce safe and efficient.

Contents:

What is a method statement?

A method statement is a dedicated Health & Safety document that outlines how to perform a specific task safely, using clear, step-by-step instructions.

You can think of it as a practical action plan that highlights potential job hazards and explains how your team should implement the safety controls identified in your risk assessment.

What is the purpose of a method statement?

The main purpose of a method statement is to provide your team with easy-to-follow instructions so they can complete a job safely and without issues. By mapping out potential dangers in advance, these documents make sure the right precautions are used to reduce risks.

Most method statements act as a comprehensive guide, typically breaking down a task into four main areas:

  1. Scope of works — A clear title and basic outline of the job that needs doing.
  2. Start of work — The essential prep work, e.g. checking tools, reading risk assessments, and putting on the right personal protective equipment (PPE).
  3. Step-by-step process — The chronological, safe working instructions for the task at hand.
  4. Finishing — How to safely pack up, remove any waste, take down signage, and leave the site secure.

What does a method statement tell you?

A method statement tells you the precise steps needed to get a job done as safely and efficiently as possible. This document bridges the gap between risk assessment theory and the realities of the work site, providing you with actionable processes to keep everyone protected from harm.

A strong method statement will always tell you:

  • Step-by-step sequence — The exact order of operations to get the job done.
  • Hazards and controls — The risks involved and the steps to stop them.
  • Safety equipment (PPE) — The specific protective gear required for the task.
  • Tools and materials — The exact equipment and machinery needed.
  • Emergency protocols — What to do if there’s a fire, accident, or medical emergency while work is being carried out.
  • Competence and supervision — Who’s in charge of the site, and what qualifications any workers need to have.

Why is a method statement important?

A method statement is important because it details exactly how to implement safety measures and how to help your team remove or reduce the risks associated with more difficult jobs.

They’re especially important in complex industries like construction, where there’s a much higher risk of incidents involving equipment, heights, or hazardous materials around every corner.

To protect site visitors, members of the public, construction workers, and project managers, having thorough method statements is vital.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 680,000 people report workplace accidents or injuries each year in the UK. This highlights exactly why it’s so crucial for your team to have clear instructions and robust processes to follow on every job.

What are the different types of method statements?

There are five main types of method statements that you might come across:

  • A tender method statement — These will often be requested as part of a tender application, and provide you with an opportunity to show that you can deliver work safely, on time, and on budget.
  • A construction method statement — Outlines the processes required to manage a construction project safely and effectively.
  • A safety method statement — A live document that lets you update your Health and Safety requirements as a project progresses.
  • A generic method statement — Perfect for simple, repetitive tasks that don’t change much from site to site.
  • A site-specific method statement — Tailored to the unique hazards of a particular location and project.

What are the benefits of a method statement?

Method statements offer a wide range of benefits for your business when it comes to the Health & Safety of your workforce. Let’s break it down:

1. Keeps your business compliant

Method statements make it easier to stay compliant — you’ve got a lot of legal responsibilities to keep track of, and it’s easy for compliance to slip. With everything laid out clearly, you can see how your compliance is measuring up and where you should improve.

2. Upholding Health & Safety

If you’re working in a higher-risk area, like a construction site, Health & Safety should be at the top of your priority list. If it isn’t, then accidents can come with hefty legal penalties, settlement fees, and lengthy investigations.

Having a detailed method statement in place means everyone knows exactly what’s required, and that Health & Safety is prioritised across your business.

3. Improved decision-making across the business

In the unfortunate event that something happens on-site, this is where a method statement really comes in handy. It should detail:

  • What to do if things go wrong,
  • How to identify what happened
  • How to make sure it doesn’t happen again

With a robust method statement, anyone can make the right decisions when needed.

4. Clear instructions

A method statement acts as a set of instructions for your employees to carry out their work safely. It should list all the precautions that need to be taken for the tasks which require a method statement. Remember: not all tasks require a method statement. A good benchmark is that any tasks involving higher risks or complex activities should always have a method statement.

5. Easier implementation of controls

Method statements should always contain a good level of information to help communicate difficult tasks to your employees. The format should be simple and digestible, avoiding jargon, so that anyone with little knowledge of the industry can still understand the logical order and follow the content.

6. Providing recorded evidence

Record keeping is non-negotiable. If you get a surprise inspection, you’ll need to be able to provide proof that you’re keeping everyone on your site safe, including construction workers, visitors, and project managers. Having clear records is an absolute must when the inspectors come knocking.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

While they often go hand in hand, there’s a big difference between a risk assessment and a method statement. Usually, you’ll carry out a risk assessment first and create a method statement based on your initial findings, but they play two unique roles in your Health & Safety planning.

Here’s a quick overview of the core differences:

FeatureRisk assessmentMethod statement
DefinitionA careful examination of what could cause harm in your workplace, helping you weigh up whether you’ve taken enough precautions.A practical, step-by-step instructional guide that tells workers how to complete a task safely.
FormatA documented list of hazards, an evaluation of the risks they pose, proposed control measures, and regular review dates.A chronological list of steps needed to finish a job safely, alongside necessary PPE, safety precautions, and emergency details.
When it’s neededRequired before starting any workplace activity, or when introducing new equipment or processes. Every employee needs to be aware of the risk assessments relevant to their job.Usually required after a risk assessment is completed, but always before high-risk or particularly complex tasks kick off.
LegalityLegally required in the UK under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.Not required by law, but widely considered best practice and are frequently requested by clients to prove safety compliance.
SectorsRequired across all industries and sectors, regardless of the work environment.Most common in high-risk sectors like construction, demolition, and manufacturing.

If you need a refresher on the first half of this process, you can learn more about risk assessments here.

While they aren’t required by law, method statements are a proven way to plan, manage, and monitor work, especially in the construction industry. Because of this, they’re generally the most practical way to meet your wider legal duties.

For example, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you have an obligation to protect the health, safety, and welfare of your team as far as ‘reasonably practicable’. Writing a method statement provides hard evidence that you’ve assessed the risks and put controls in place, helping you tick those legal boxes.

When is a method statement required?

Despite not being a legal necessity, having one is still best practice. It allows the job to be properly planned, with the right Health & Safety resources already in place before work begins. It also means other contractors working on the site will be aware of any effects the work may have on them.

There’s also a chance that clients you’re working with will request method statements before starting a job with you.

While every business is different, here are a few common scenarios where a method statement is heavily recommended or required:

  • Working at height (like roofing, scaffolding, or crane operations)
  • Handling dangerous chemicals or hazardous materials
  • Operating heavy, complex machinery
  • Carrying out structural alterations or demolition work
  • Working in confined spaces

What industries need a method statement?

It’s worth remembering that the task itself dictates the need for a method statement, rather than the specific industry you’re in. That said, certain sectors rely on them more heavily to stay safe, including:

Construction & demolition

Due to the high-risk nature of a building site, the construction sector uses method statements more than any other. They’re vital for things like safe scaffolding erection, excavation work, and recording demolition processes to prevent accidents.

You can learn more about managing Health & Safety in construction here.

Engineering & manufacturing

Industrial and engineering environments involve heavy lifting, machinery installations, and complex plant maintenance. Method statements help map out these operational processes and challenges to protect the staff and expensive machinery.

Facilities management & trades

If you’re an external contractor heading out to a client’s premises, they’ll likely ask for a copy of any relevant method statements before letting you on site. This can cover everything from commercial plumbing and HVAC maintenance to deep cleaning and IT infrastructure setups.

Energy & utilities

The stakes are high when dealing with power grids and chemical processing. Tasks like working in confined sewers, handling toxic substances, wiring in electricals, or servicing wind turbines demand strict, step-by-step safety documents.

Make sure you brush up on the common electrical hazards in the workplace if you operate in this sector.

Arboriculture & landscaping

Working outdoors brings unpredictable hazards. Tasks like felling trees, operating commercial mowers, or applying pesticides need careful risk planning to keep everyone safe.

Public sector, corporate & retail

Even low-pressure corporate environments need a method statement when physical risks pop up. This might include moving heavy office furniture, installing large retail signage, or outfitting a new store interior.

How to write a method statement

Building a strong method statement doesn’t have to be a headache. Just follow these eight steps to get it right:

  1. Describe the task — Start by clearly outlining the specific work you need to do and the desired outcome.
  2. Identify hazards — Jot down all the potential dangers linked to the job, which should have already been highlighted in your risk assessment.
  3. Assess risks — Take a close look at how likely those hazards are to cause harm. This will help you order them based on priority.
  4. Control measures — Write down the exact steps you’ll take to reduce or remove those risks.
  5. Step-by-step guide — Map out the job chronologically, giving clear instructions on how to carry out the work safely.
  6. Responsibilities — Note down exactly who is in charge of overseeing the work at each stage, and who is carrying it out on a ground level.
  7. Emergency procedures — Make sure you outline what the team needs to do if things go wrong.
  8. Review and approval — Have a competent person review and sign off on the document before work begins.

Simplify your method statements with HS Direct

Creating Health & Safety documents from scratch can eat up a lot of your day, but HS Direct’s library of method statement templates is here to help you save time and stay compliant.

Whether you need an interior decorating method statement, a plumbing method statement, or just a blank method statement to customise yourself, our easy-to-understand format makes it quick and easy to get everything in order.

Contact us for more information about how we can help with your documentation.